Boxing
Ishmael Davis wants to be Leeds’ next star
Published
6 months agoon
By
J. HumzaBIG-time boxing returned to Leeds on Saturday evening (May 25) when Jack Catterall defeated Josh Taylor in their eagerly anticipated rematch at a packed First Direct Arena. Even though none of the fighters in the main event were from the city, the event was sold out and the atmosphere was electric.
It showed that the city is still hungry for more substantial nights, with the next host being the rival. It’s clear what Josh Warrington has done for boxing in the city, selling huge numbers of tickets and filling arenas with his fans.
In the near future, it may be the turn of Ishmael Davis, who has just signed a multi-fight contract with promotional giant Matchroom. With their push and support, Davis could be well on his way to hosting more substantial nights in Leeds.
“Leeds are looking for their next substantial star. Of course, we still have Josh Warrington, who I think will still do great things. I feel like everyone always wants someone to be left behind, and I think I’m the right person for the job,” Davis said .
Just a year ago, Davis fought in the Elland Road Banqueting Suite before seizing the opportunity for back-to-back substantial fights with both hands. The support and encouragement of former world champion Radiant Edwards was crucial.
However, Davis’ “take any fight” attitude also played a key role in closing the deal. This was reflected in his acceptance without hesitation of last year’s 50-50 on-paper fight with Ewan Mackenzie.
As the away player, Davis stopped Mackenzie, who was tough and gave his all. It was a grueling fight until a Mackenzie corner threw in the towel in the eighth round. In his next fight, Davis again made a statement on the DAZN main slot, beating veteran operator and former British champion Troy Williamson (below).
What he lacks in amateur experience, he makes up for in work ethic, fortitude and determination in the ring. He also undoubtedly lives the life of an athlete and has spent the last few years gaining experience sparring with the best in the country, in and around his weight class.
With Davis now a must-see for the British, he has positioned himself well to win major titles and make further statements in the professional ranks.
“I’m just waiting for Sam Gilley to fight Louis Greene. Then I will face the winner if he wants to fight me. Unless they give up the belt,” he said.
When discussing the Lonsdale belt, being British, Davis emphasized the importance of the title, making it clear that it was something he wanted to win straight away.
“My buddy Dalton Smith showed me the way and I will want to follow in his footsteps,” Davis added.
Smith won the Lonsdale belt outright after three successful defenses last July, stopping Sam Maxwell in the seventh.
In previous interviews, Davis has touched on his pre-boxing past, as well as the difficulties he has faced throughout his life. He explains that boxing changed his life for the better.
“I feel like I’m a completely different person now, like I left my elderly body and entered a recent one,” he explained.
“I now have other role models and surround myself with people who do well and strive for excellence. It’s a huge difference, I’m enjoying the ride and staying humble.
“I believe I was made for this. You know Bernard Hopkins, he was a born fighter and I’m kind of the same. He went to prison, then came out and changed his life. Of course, how long was he world champion? I believe I have the skills and motivation to do this. I train challenging, I go to the gym, I listen to my trainer and I don’t really go out. I just take it seriously, this game. I believe I will be the next star out of Leeds.
Davis has his sights set on achieving great things in boxing and hopes recent promotional support will guide him along the way.
“This is the start of something substantial and I will be remembered as one of Britain’s greatest boxers,” he said.
“I really feel like I’m going to be the best in my category and I just have this attitude that I don’t think anyone can beat me.”
While desiring great things in the sport, Davis also recognizes its longevity and explains that when he finally hangs up his gloves, he would like to pursue other paths in boxing.
If his Saturday commentary debut at The First Direct Arena was anything to go by, one of those paths might have been behind the mic. Co-manager Radiant Edwards shed featherlight on future opportunities and gateways to a recent career after boxing.
“Radiant is a huge role model for me and in a way shows me the way. He doesn’t just think about boxing, he also thinks about boxing. This is what we do, this is our life. I love being there and talking about it and I hope I can do that in the future,” concluded Davis.
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Boxing
The fight between Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel will take place on December 14 at the Toyota Arena
Published
7 hours agoon
November 23, 2024In a clash of forces between two world title contenders, NABO welterweight titleholder Alexis “Lex” Rocha (25-2-0, 16 KO) will put his skills to the test against undefeated knockout and NABF welterweight titleholder Raul “El Cugar “. Curiel (15-0, 13 KO).
The 10-round main event will take place on Saturday, December 14, live from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.
“‘The best versus the best’ is Golden Boy’s mantra and that’s what fans will see as Rocha and Curiel take on everything that’s on the table,” said President and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Rocha is a veteran whose goal is to win the world title, Curiel is an undefeated blue-chip prospect with huge potential. It’s really a 50/50 fight and I’m looking forward to it.”
Tickets for the Rocha vs. match Curiel will go on sale on Friday, October 11 at 10 a.m. PT and will be priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25, excluding applicable service fees. A confined number of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available, including exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades. Standard and VIP tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, Toyota-arena.com, Goldenboy.com or at the Toyota Arena box office from Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 16:00
“I’ve seen Raul Curiel all these years and he never once mentioned my name,” Alexis Rocha said. “After my last defeat, he suddenly became interested in fighting me. If he thinks I’ve lost a step or somehow had an simple fight, he’s in for a rude awakening. I can’t wait to make a statement and show the world what I’m capable of.”
Santa Ana, California Rep. Alexis “Lex” Rocha comes from a struggling family. The younger brother of Ronny Rios, he was the youngest fighter to win a gold medal at the Junior Olympics at the age of 14 in 2012 and caught the attention of the boxing world by becoming a six-time national champion during his amateur career. Rocha signed with Golden Boy in January 2016 and made his professional debut in March 2016, defeating Jordan Rosario at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. Since then, he has amassed an enviable record of powerful knockouts over top contenders and plans to return to world title contention, with his last fight being a victory over undefeated Santiago Dominguez on July 19 last year.
“The fans can expect a war,” said Raul Curiel. “I’m going to prepare well to put on a great show. This will be the most essential fight of my career so far. I know Alexis is a great fighter, a good opponent and will also show up prepared. My focus is on Alexis and if I can beat him, I know it will give me a chance to fight for the world championship.
Boxing
George Kambosos moves up to 140, adds Eddie Hearn to team
Published
24 hours agoon
November 23, 2024Former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos approached promoter Eddie Hearn asking for more massive fights.
Kambosos has signed a co-promotional deal with Eddie Hearn, under which the Greek-Australian slugger will continue his association with DiBella Entertainment Inc. and his own company, Ferocious Promotions.
The 21-3 star will move up to the super lightweight division of Matchroom Boxing’s lively division. He aims to become a two-weight world champion in early 2025, and as part of the deal, a title fight is promised as long as he continues to win.
Since his stunning victory over Teofimo Lopez, Kambosos has never shied away from competing against the best. Those three losses on his resume came to Devin Haney [twice] and Vasily Lomachenko, all at home and all for world titles.
The 31-year-old is now set to face compatriot Liam Paro after defending his IBF title against Richardson Hitchins in December in Puerto Rico.
“I am thrilled to be working with Matchroom Boxing. I am excited to have signed a three-way promotional cooperation agreement with my long-time promoter DiBella Entertainment Inc. and Ferocious Promotions,” Kambosos said.
“I made great success and history when I moved up the Matchroom shows by winning my UK elimination fight against Lee Selby. The most noteworthy and unforgettable is my victory against Teofimo at Madison Square Garden in Up-to-date York to become the 135-pound world champion.
“I am officially announcing that I will be moving up to 140 pounds and signing with Matchroom will ensure my continued success and the legacy I want to leave in the sport of boxing.”
Hearn, who adds an experienced campaigner to his stable, added: “I am delighted to welcome George to the team. George’s victory over Teofimo tore up the script and showed that George was the man for the massive time. He has proven to be a huge attraction in Australia and one of the real driving forces behind the rapid growth of boxing Down Under.
“The 140-pound division is full of massive names and massive potential fights. Adding George to the mix only elevates the level, and a possible fight with Liam Paro is a truly appetizing prospect. If Liam manages to win in a great fight against Richardson on December 7th [the fight could be on].
Lou DiBella, who has worked with Kambosos for years, said: “I’m glad I was able to make a deal with my antique buddy Eddie to work with George Kambosos Jr. and Ferocious Promotions.
“Throughout his career, George has been a fighter who has never shied away from a challenge, and now he wants to test himself against top junior welterweights.
Matchroom works with top 140-pounders, including George’s compatriot Liam Paro, and, like DiBella Entertainment, is heavily invested in Australia.
“It’s a natural partnership,” added the Up-to-date Yorker.
Boxing
Mike Tyson had absolutely no chance of knocking out Jake Paul
Published
2 days agoon
November 21, 2024One of the hottest topics surrounding Mike Tyson’s return at the age of 58 was the possibility of the boxing legend scoring a knockout of Jake Paul.
WBN has weighed in on this topic several times, questioning the validity of five-second training clips that revealed nothing about Tyson’s abilities at this overdue age. One of the most intriguing observations during the preparations was the opinion of UFC commentator Daniel Cormier.
Speaking on his show “Funky and the Champ,” Cormier reflected on Tyson’s social media videos and offered an informed opinion on the meaning of the clips.
“I understand that [he is in amazing shape at 58]and I understand what he is saying [he feels as though he can compete]– Cormier said. “And I agree that when he hits the pads with Rafael Cordeiro, it looks like there’s still something left in him.
“But then I watch Jake Paul fight Mike Perry. I saw Jake Paul get overwhelmed to the point where he started to feel uncomfortable. It looked like Mike Perry had a chance. But Jake has a reserve tank he can go to and benefit from because he’s 28 years ancient. Then he comes back and finally finishes Mike Perry.
“At the beginning of the fight, Mike Perry gets beaten up and dropped. He looks trained and unmatched. This worries me because what if it looks like a 58-year-old man fighting a 28-year-old man while Mike can’t employ the backup tank to stay and compete with this newborn kid? I think it’s a failure for Jake Paul because if you beat Mike Tyson, everyone will love him.
He added: “What if Mike knocks him out? It’s over. Everything is ready. This would be the backfire of all time. If he gets knocked out, nothing like that has ever happened in the history of the sport.”
Unfortunately for Tyson, this revenge backfired spectacularly, as the former heavyweight champion’s return was the only event that bombed. Tyson had nothing left twenty years after he had nothing left in his tank and no desire to box in his mind.
Paul parlayed this into a money-making scheme that would forever be a success for him and his company, but would be poorly received by the die-hard boxing fraternity.
Cormier’s words resonate, especially after what happened in the ring when Mike Tyson struggled to shift into first gear, warning former fighters thinking about returning after 50.
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