Gervonta Davis retained the IBF Junior Lightweight title with an emphatic 3rd round stoppage over Liam Walsh in a battle of previously undefeated fighters at The Copper Box Arena in London, England.

In round two, Davis hurt Walsh with a hard left. Davis followed up with a barrage of hard power shots, and then dropped Walsh with hard left to the side of the head. It was just seconds after, when Davis jumped on Walsh, and after five more thudding the blows the fight was stopped at 2:11.

Davis of Baltimore, Maryland is now 18-0 with 17 knockouts. Walsh, 130 lbs of England is now 21-1.

Fight # 1 16.30
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Middleweight Contest
LERRONE RICHARDS 171lbs V ANTHONY FOX 174lbs

Fight # 2
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Featherweight Contest
LUCIEN REID V MICHAEL MOONEY

Fight # 3
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
BEN SMITH V YOUSEF AL HAMIDI

Fight # 4
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Featherweight Contest
BOY JONES JNR 132lbs V NORBERT KALUCSA 130lbs

Fight # 5
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Lightweight Contest
MITCHELL SMITH 139lbs V LEE CONNELLY 138lbs

Fight # 6
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Featherweight Contest
ARCHIE SHARP 131lbs V TAMAS LASKA 131lbs

Fight # 7
THE BRITISH FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
RYAN WALSH 126lbs V MARCO McCULLOUGH 126lbs

Fight # 8
8 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Welterweight Contest
JOE PIGFORD 155lbs V AARON MORGAN 154lbs

Fight # 9
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Heavyweight Contest
DANIEL DUBOIS 234lbs V DAVE HOWE 256lbs

Fight # 10
THE SOUTHERN AREA LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds
CHRIS HOBBS 175lbs V ANTHONY YARDE 175lbs

Fight # 11 LIVE SWING
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest
SAM McNESS 155lbs V ZAURS SADIHOVS 154lbs

Fight # 12
THE IBF WORLD JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
GERVONTA DAVIS 130lbs V LIAM WALSH 130lbs

Fight # 13 TV FLOATER 1
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Flyweight Contest
SUNNY EDWARDS 115lbs V GYULA DODU 113lbs

Fight # 14 FLOTER 2
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
SANJEEV SAHOTA 142lbs V STEVE BACKHOUSE 143lbs

All floor seating at the Copper Box Arena has SOLD OUT.

Remaining tickets priced £40 and £50 are available from www.seetickets.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

LONDON (May 18, 2017) – IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Gervonta Davis, undefeated No. 1 contender Liam Walsh and promoter Floyd Mayweather got into a jarring session during Thursday’s final press conference at Landmark Hotel in London just two days before Saturday’s world title clash on SHOWTIME from Copper Box Arena.

Baltimore’s “Tank” Davis, America’s youngest world champion, will attempt to become the first American to successfully defend his title on British soil in nearly a decade*, while Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs) aims to dethrone the man that Mayweather has christened the “future of boxing.” (*Note: Paulie Malignaggi vs. Lovemore Ndou in 2008)

Davis vs. Walsh is part of a split-site, four-fight SHOWTME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that begins on Saturday, May 20, at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. In the main event, Gary Russell Jr. will make his second featherweight title defense and long-awaited homecoming against mandatory challenger Oscar Escandon live from MGM National Harbor just outside of Washington, D.C.

The 22-year-old Davis, who has won by knockout in 16 of his 17 professional fights, will make the first defense of the IBF belt to won via KO over previously unbeaten Jose Pedraza in January. The 30-year-old Walsh has won by knockout in three of his last four bouts and will be a decided local favorite at an expected sold-out Copper Box Arena.

The pound-for-pound great turned promoter Mayweather and Walsh’s two brothers, fellow professional fighters Michael and Ryan, led the jarring during Thursday’s festivities with Mayweather claiming “I’m 40 years old and I’ll kick all three of your asses in the same night.”

Team Walsh was “not intimidated one little bit” by Mayweather or Tank, while the southpaw Davis promised “On Saturday night you’ll be on your ass. And then your brothers can get in next.”

Below are highlights of what the participants had to say on Thursday:

GERVONTA DAVIS:
“I’m just on a whole different level. I do know they built you good, but you’ve been dropped before. They’ve been protecting you from the power, so I know you have no chin. On Saturday night you’ll be on your ass. And then your brothers can get in next.

“Please don’t run Saturday night.

“I’ve just been trying to stay level-headed. Getting that belt brings me that much closer to what I want to do – to take over the sport of boxing. With the performance I put on Saturday night it will bring me a step closer to being the star of boxing and follow after Floyd Mayweather.

“Having Floyd in my corner gives me a lot of confidence. Floyd has been pretty hands on with me, he’s been getting up and training and running with me. He was my hero in the sport of boxing coming up so to just have him in my corner now is amazing.

“I won the belt and now my focus is to take over the sport.

“Growing up in Baltimore, it has a high crime rate. It’s been tough. Where I’m from the gym is in the hood. If it wasn’t for the gym I’d either be in jail or dead. That’s not what I want to be. Boxing saved my life.”

LIAM WALSH:
“I’m always confident. As I’ve said many times, his performance against Pedraza was very good. I applaud him. Tank is the best fighter I’ve come up against in my career so far, but I’m also the best fighter he’s going to come against in his career so far. So it makes for a great fight.

“He’s physically very good. He’s very fast, very powerful. He’s a good puncher and performed beyond his years against Pedraza. You can’t knock his performance whatsoever, but there’s still a lot of questions that he has to answer.

“The southpaw stance doesn’t affect me too much. I can switch between the two. I’m comfortable in both stances so that doesn’t bother me.

“I don’t think I can put it into words what it would mean to win the title. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little child. The feeling, the emotion, I can’t put it into words. This is the biggest night of my life.

“There are definitely flaws in his game and they’re there for me to exploit. I plan to take advantage of his mistakes. When I was 22, there were definitely mistakes I made that I wouldn’t make now. So maybe it’s the perfect time to fight him.

“I’m not intimidated one little bit. Not by Floyd, not by Tank, not by anyone.

“I predict I will win the fight. I wouldn’t be shocked if I won by knockout, I wouldn’t be shocked if I won on points. You won’t see me celebrating like a mad man if I knock out Tank because I know I’m capable of it.”

FLOYD MAYWEATHER:
“It’s not just one performance. It takes more than just one performance. We truly believe that he can be a great fighter, but he came in his last fight with only 16 fights and beat the champion. We know he’s not going to lay down. This kid has dynamite in both hands. If he keeps going out there beating great fighters he cannot be denied.

“When its lights, camera, action and the bell rings, 17 times he came out victorious and 16 by way of (knockout).

“His team does a remarkable job, but it’s my job as a friend and a father figure to tell him to come to Vegas to get him the best work. We wanted him to have different looks. We want guys that were going to push him, give him different styles.

“This kid, he busts his ass day in and day out. We’re going to continue to go out there and do what we do.

“I already conquered your country once (with Ricky Hatton) and now we’re going to conquer it again on Saturday.

“I don’t miss being in the gym at all. If I can push this fighter to surpass me and break every record, that’s a goal of mine. That’s what we’re here to do. Records are made to be broken.

“I remember when I met Tank on the Canelo (Alvarez) press tour and he asked to take a photo with me. When I took a photo with him I said, ‘there’s something about that kid that looks special.’

“He came to my gym and put in some real good work and I reached out to him and said, ‘whatever it takes to work with you and get you to the next level, let’s make it happen.’ I told him, ‘if you listen to me and continue to work hard I truly believe you can be world champion within 24 months.’ And that’s just one stepping stone. As of right now he’s one of the only fighters in boxing facing back-to-back undefeated fighters.

“Frank Warren, Liam Walsh, we just want to commend you guys for stepping up to the plate and making this fight happen and giving the fans what they want to see. The fans want to see blood, sweat and tears.

“Tank is always in tremendous fights, he’s a big knockout artist. I truly believe in my man, and I want to work with him until the end of his career.”

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LONDON (May 18) – Floyd Mayweather protégé Gervonta Davis says he wants to become boxing’s next superstar but must first get past Cromer’s Liam Walsh.

The 22-year-old from the mean streets of Baltimore will make the first defence of his IBF super-featherweight world title when he steps into a British ring for the first time to take on the undefeated Walsh, live this Saturday night on BoxNation.

In his dazzling stoppage win over Jose Pedraza earlier this year to win his world title, ‘Tank’ as Davis is nicknamed, showcased all the tools needed to reach the very pinnacle of the sport and sees Walsh as just another step towards reaching that goal.

“It’s been pretty good since winning the world title. I’m actually staying level headed, staying focused. Getting the world title is a step closer to where I want to be,” said Davis.

“Having a belt is cool, but I’m trying to do more in the sport. I want to be the next star of boxing. I want to do more in the sport. This is just one more step to me,” he said.

Preparing for his fight at the Copper Box Arena this weekend, Davis has been guided in the final part of his training camp by his promoter Mayweather, who has been sharing some words of wisdom with the 130-pounder.

“When I got back to Vegas, Floyd Mayweather was hands on more than usual, working with me in the gym late nights,” he said.

“I’ve been working extra hard. Having him back in the gym gives me that extra push and has my mind on another level.

“Having him in my corner makes me feel like I have that chance. I have one of the best in the business backing me. It means a lot. It makes me work harder,” Davis said.

30-year-old Walsh is no pushover himself and has stacked up 21 wins unbeaten, with 14 of those by knockout.

The Norfolk boxer is adamant that he will keep his unblemished record intact by handing Davis his very first loss.

“He certainly has potential and star quality – that was clear to see when he beat [Jose] Pedraza. But he has to come through me first,” said Walsh

“I don’t see any other way than me winning. If he’s going to be a star in the future, it’s going to have to be with a loss after fighting me,” he said.

Walsh is sceptical about the names on Davis’ record and believes he still has a lot of questions to answer.

“I don’t think he’s completely overrated, but I think there are still a lot of questions to be asked of him. He looked very good and brilliant against Pedraza. The only other reputable fighter on his record is Cristobal Cruz. There are a lot of question marks lingering on,” said Walsh.

“I feel like I’ve been in tougher fights than him. I feel like I’ve been in longer fights. I think I have a better boxing IQ than him. He’s very powerful, very physical and very fast, but we haven’t seen him in a long fight or a dog fight or a gruelling fight though.

“I will certainly ask all these questions. I’ll do it any which way that it has to go. I’m more than confident I’ll get the job done,” he said.

Following Davis v Walsh, BoxNation will then turn its attention across the Atlantic where pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford takes on the slick Felix Diaz, exclusively live from Madison Square Garden.

WBC and WBO super-lightweight world champion Crawford is very much the man to beat at 140-pounds but against the Dominican Republic’s Diaz he will need to be at the very top of his game if he hopes to continue his dominance of the division.

Diaz, a 2008 Olympic gold medallist and with just a solitary loss on his record, has been calling out 29-year-old Crawford for months, with the Nebraska native saying he will be ready for whatever comes his way.

“Come Saturday, I will be ready for whatever Felix Diaz brings to the ring that night,” said Crawford. “It’s going to be a great experience fighting at Madison Square Garden in the big arena where all the greats have fought. I’m looking forward to that night,” he said.

Davis v Walsh will be live from 7.30pm BST on BoxNation, followed by Crawford v Diaz from 2am BST.

Davis v Walsh & Crawford v Diaz is live on BoxNation this Saturday night. Sky customers can get free registration by using the offer code MAYBOXING. Buy now at boxnation.com.

– ENDS –

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LAS VEGAS (May 17, 2017) – Let the boxing binge watching begin this Saturday, May 20 when separate shows on SHOWTIME and FS1 deliver six matches running over six consecutive hours. This boxing extravaganza will present a unique opportunity for fans to watch boxing starting at 6 p.m. ET and continue throughout the evening.

“It’s not unusual to spend all day Sunday watching the NFL or to spend the day watching the NBA playoffs,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing. “But it’s rare for boxing fans to be able to turn on the television in the early evening and binge watch great action until late at night. The slate of shows on May 20 will provide that opportunity for boxing fans.”

Kicking off the day will be an action-packed 130-pound championship match with undefeated young star Gervonta Davis (17-0, 16 KOs) defending his title against No. 1 contender Liam Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs) from Copper Box Arena in London, England with coverage beginning on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

The 22-year-old Davis is the youngest reigning American world champion in boxing and he will travel to England for his first title defense against Walsh, an undefeated southpaw fighting in his hometown of London.

Immediately following the Davis-Walsh bout, things kick into high gear with three matches originating from MGM National Harbor outside of Washington, D.C. Gary Russell, Jr. (27-1, 16 KOs) defends his 126-pound world title against Oscar Escandon (25-2, 17 KOs) in the main event.

A pair of world title eliminators round out the televised portion of the card. Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) and Jose Uzcategui (26-1, 22 KOs) meet in a 168-pound match with the winner set to fight for the interim IBF title and a shot at current champion James DeGale. Two-division champion Rances Barthelemy (25-0, 16 KOs) takes on Kiryl Relikh (21-1, 19 KOs) in a 140-pound title eliminator with the winner earning an opportunity to fight for a world championship.

Rounding out the night is a pair of Premier Boxing Champions matches on FS1 and FOX Deportes from Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas that start at 10 p.m. ET.

David Benavidez (17-0, 16 KOs), an ascending star, will meet former world title challenger Rogelio “Porky” Medina (37-7, 31 KOs) in a 168-pound title eliminator in the main event. Benavidez will face the toughest test of his career against Medina, a veteran who gave DeGale all he could handle last year. The winner will get a shot at the 168-pound world championship.

Unbeaten 126-pound contender Jorge Lara (28-0-2, 20 KOs) takes on hard-hitting brawler Mario Briones (28-5-2, 22 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight match in the co-feature.

Binge Away!

Liam Walsh is so intent on taking the IBF world super-featherweight title from Gervonta Davis he left his wife in labour for a training camp.

Son Ryan was born last month, hours after leaving the family home in Cromer for a sparring trip to Wales. That meant it was several days before Walsh saw his latest arrival for the first time.

He hopes that sort of dedication will help defeat fast rising American star Davis at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday night.

Walsh unbeaten in 21 fights said: “I left my missus in labour a couple of weeks ago on a Thursday because I had to go to Wales for training.

“She gave birth the next day and I didn’t get to see Ryan until five days later. That is part of the sacrifices I have had to make for this fight.

“He is named after my twin brother and my other son after our eldest brother Michael.

“People think I’m mad, but my brothers mean everything to me. It’s the way we are. None of us actually own anything. Anything we have is ours. When I win this fight it will be for the family.”

There is a stack of hype surrounding Davis who is tipped to become the world’s pound-for-pound King by his promoter, Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Davis landed in Britain earlier this week and ring great Mayweather Jr will be here for the fight, but Walsh is ready for any mind games they might play on him before fight night.

Walsh, who celebrates his 31st birthday on Thursday added: “I am prepared for anything he wants to do, but come weigh-in time I strictly advise him to stay at arms length.

“Were fighters first and foremost, but although I’m prepared for anything I am professional and will conduct myself in the right way.

“But you can only push me so far before you overstep the boundary.”

All floor seating at the Copper Box Arena has SOLD OUT.

Remaining tickets priced £40 and £50 are available from www.seetickets.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

NEW YORK – Gervonta Davis, America’s youngest world champion, and No. 1-ranked challenger Liam Walsh participated in an international media conference call on Wednesday in advance of their clash for Davis’ IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship on Saturday, May 20 on SHOWTIME from Copper Box Arena in London. Davis vs. Walsh is part of a split-site, four-fight SHOWTME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. In the main event, Gary Russell Jr. will make his second featherweight title defense and long-awaited homecoming against mandatory challenger Oscar Escandon live from MGM National Harbor just outside of Washington, D.C.

Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe and Hall of Fame boxing promoter Frank Warren also joined the call to talk about their fighters.

Here is what the principals had to say on Wednesday:

GERVONTA DAVIS
Thoughts on going to London to make his first title defense on foreign soil:
“I believe it was the right business move as far as getting me to the UK in my early career and giving the fans what they want to see. I have a lot of UK fans after the [Jose] Pedraza fight so I think it’s a good change. It’s good for me to fight in the UK. I fought overseas when I was an amateur so now I’m going as a pro and I feel like it’s a great opportunity.

“I’m actually excited to fight in the UK. I believe that I will have a crowd over there and I’m excited to put on a show for the UK fans.”

Have you watched Liam Walsh’s tapes? Do you think his style is sort of made to order for a fighter liked you?
“He’s a good fighter; I can’t take that away from him. He’s my mandatory so I’m taking him seriously. I’ve actually looked at a couple of his fights. He’s a decent fighter, but I’m just on another level. My mind, my skills, I’m on another level than what he’s saying and what his fans are saying too.”

What has it been like since you won the title?
“It’s been pretty good. I’m actually staying level headed, staying focused. Getting the world title is a step closer to where I want to be. Having a belt is cool, but I’m trying to do more in the sport. I want to be the next star of boxing. I want to do more in the sport. This is just one more step to me.”

Do you feel like you need to win by knockout?
“Of course. I can’t rely on his mistakes, he’s capable of going down.”

On finishing camp with Floyd Mayweather in Vegas:
“When I got back to Vegas, Floyd Mayweather was hands on more than usual, working with me in the gym late nights. I’m working extra hard. Having him back in the gym gives me that extra push and has my mind on another level.

“Having him in my corner makes me feel like I have that chance. I have one of the best in the business backing me. It means a lot. It makes me work harder.”

How has your experience growing up in inner-city Baltimore influenced you?
“Just growing up in that inner city, it gave me the hunger I have today. My folks struggled. I knew that when it was time for me to turn pro, it was time for me to help feed my family. I’m ready to do big things in the sport of boxing and outside of the sport.

“I believe I have the youth right now. Right now I’m one of the youngest (world champions), and believe I have the youth right now. I believe that as I continue to keep winning and crowning myself, a lot of young kids will look up to me and it will help get them on the right track.”

Going into this fight do you think Liam Walsh is your toughest opponent so far?
“I believe so. I’ve fought a world champion. He’s undefeated. I don’t know, I have to see when I get in there. On paper he might seem like a tough opponent. I won’t know until I get in there and see what he brings to the table.”

Is there pressure to try and make statement against him and knock him out or wait to see if the knockout comes?
“I don’t think I have to make a statement by knocking him out. I would rather beat him in 12 rounds. We’re going to look for the knockout and if it comes, it comes. But I would rather go on 12 rounds.”

Would you like to make a prediction?
“I’m coming out on top and keeping my world title.”

LIAM WALSH
Can you tell us what you think of Gervonta Davis?
“He certainly has potential and star quality – that was clear to see when he beat [Jose] Pedraza. But he has to come through me first. I don’t see any other way than me winning. If he’s going to be a star in the future, it’s going to have to be with a loss after fighting me.”

Are there advantages to fighting at home?
“I thank Frank Warren for that and giving me that advantage. I think it all depends on his mental capacity. He’s coming to a foreign country. Provided that he adapts to the environment and change of scenery, then we’ll find out that night.”

You were Pedraza’s mandatory so were you surprised that Gervonta won that fight and in that dominant a fashion?
“I was to be honest with you. My prediction was Pedraza to win on points. I thought Pedraza had all the attributes and tools to get the job done. But then on the night watching the fight, I was surprised by the way Pedraza went about his work. I thought Gervonta looked brilliant and mature beyond his years. I think he put on a really good show but I thought Pedraza could have gone about it a little bit better.”

What are your advantages in the fight against Gervonta Davis?
“First and foremost, I don’t think he’s completely overrated, but I think there are still a lot of questions to be asked of him. He looked very good and brilliant against Pedraza. The only other reputable fighter on his record is Cristobal Cruz. There are a lot of question marks lingering on.

“I feel like I’ve been in tougher fights than him. I feel like I’ve been in longer fights. I think I have a better boxing IQ than him. He’s very powerful, very physical and very fast, but we haven’t seen him in a long fight or a dog fight or a grueling fight though. I will certainly ask all these questions. I’ll do it any which way that it has to go. I’m more than confident I’ll get the job done.”

Is it key to take the fight into later rounds?
“I think possibly, yeah. I think that could be one angle to look at it. We’re not going to really know until the first bell rings. We all have game plans, but good fighters have to adapt. There’s going to be ebbs and flows in this fight, but I think the better fighter will prevail and I think that’s me.”

Boxing is hot in UK, how much of a benefit do you think will that be for you?
“I think it’s definitely beneficial to be fighting at home. I don’t live far from London so I won’t have to leave my house until a couple of days before the fight and obviously my sons will be there in support for me. It’s definitely beneficial. I want us both to get a fair crack and I’m sure it will be. When you’re the home fighter, you feel more obliged to dig a little bit deeper for your home fans who are cheering for you. So that’s what I’ll do.”

What is your prediction for the fight?
“Like 21 previous times, I’ll always predict I’ll win. So that’s what I’ll predict again. One thing is factually certain, I’ll give my absolute all. My prediction is I’ll come away with victory and the belt, whichever which way I have to. I’ll find a way to come away with that belt.”

Over here in the U.S., the sentiment is that Gervonta is the favorite in the fight. Do you think you’re the favorite because of the experience that you bring to the ring?
“I don’t think I’m the favorite but I’m not a 3-1 underdog. When I was told that, I thought I must be fighting three people. I’ve never been a 3-1 underdog. I’m a big underdog apparently, but certainly not in my eyes. In my eyes it won’t be a massive shock if I win this title. The U.S. fans think it will be a walk-over, but that couldn’t be more further from the truth. I can understand him being the favorite with all the hype and Mayweather behind him, but I’m baffled by being that much of an underdog. But we’ll find out.”

Is there extra motivation in being the underdog?
“Yes, it’s extra motivation. My friends are betting on me and when I win, they’ll have a great night. This is the first time I’ve been the underdog in my pro career, and I’m really enjoying being the underdog. I’m really thriving on it.”

LENOARD ELLERBE, Davis’ promoter and Mayweather Promotions CEO:
“This is going to be an unbelievable fight and we are looking forward to promoting our first event on foreign soil. We expect a sold-out crowd and this is going to be a very, very exciting fight.

“We think this is a wonderful opportunity and a tremendous platform for [Gervonta] to be able to showcase his skills across the world. With him being a young champion I think he has an advantage, and working alongside someone like Floyd, someone who can explain to him what it’s like to go into hostile territory and what to expect coming into a big fight. All those intangibles, along with his hard work and preparation he’s done, I think he has a tremendous advantage and has the perfect team in his corner to get the job done.

“We are very comfortable with the judges and we expect a very level playing field. Tank just has to go in there and stay focused and do what he does. I think his skills will speak loud and clear. Liam Walsh is a tremendous fighter and he has a tremendous following and he has been in some good fights.

“This is similar to back in 2005 when Floyd went into Atlantic City and beat Arturo Gatti. But this is a little different in that, as Tank mentioned, he has a lot of fans in the UK. I don’t think it’s going to be one-side. Because one thing I do love about the UK fans is that they are very, very knowledgeable boxing fans. They can appreciate skill level and fighters that are really, really good. Tank has a tremendous social media presence and a tremendous following in the UK. As far as the crowd is concerned, I’m not so sure it’s going to be all Liam Walsh. Tank is going to have a lot of support there. And, again, when you have the kind of preparation he has had, and you are focused, that’s what it’s going to come down to.

“The focus right now is Liam Walsh and Saturday night. As long as Tank stays focused and does what he does, the sky is the limit. He has a tremendous team and he’s working with the best promoter in all of boxing. We are really excited about this young man’s career and in our eyes he’s the most exciting fighter in all of boxing. And soon he’s going to be the biggest star in all of boxing.”

FRANK WARREN, Hall of Fame promoter:
“The Copper Box Arena is where they held the boxing for the London Olympics. It’s a fantastic venue with the crowd right on top of the ring. That atmosphere is going to be fantastic and it’s going to be a sellout. This fight is a great opportunity for the American public watching on SHOWTIME, and for those in England, to see a really good quality fight. In some ways this fight reminds me a lot of when Joe Calzaghe fought against Jeff Lacy, who was a big favorite, and Joe took him to school.

“I think it’s always best to have the home advantage. You got your fans there and your home support. The British boxing fans are passionate fans, and they are going to get behind their man. Sometimes when you’re away from home, you may not get the best out of you. When you are at home, you have to do your best because those fans are there for you. I much prefer the home advantage and it’s worked well for us in the past, like when we did the fight with Ricky Hatton fight and Kostya Tszyu and he went in as a massive underdog in that fight and he ended up winning. And we’ve done that on numerous occasions. But you have to have a good fighter.

“With Liam, he’s been under the radar with some of the problems we’ve mentioned outside the ring. But the fact of the matter is that he’s one of the best British boxers. He’s an excellent fighter. He’s not an old 30, he’s a young 30 years of age. If Gervonta Davis is going to be what the people think he’s going to be, well then he will be that if he beats Liam Walsh. And to beat Liam Walsh, you have to be something special.

“Everyone is looking for the next big thing. Is [Gervonta] overrated? We will find out. I know one thing is for sure, Liam is underrated. And that’s going to be the difference.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

NEW YORK (May 10, 2017) – America’s youngest world champion, Gervonta Davis, will make his first world title defense in the opening bout and featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. will make his mandatory world title defense in the main event of a split-site, four-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event on Saturday, May 20, live on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT*.

Davis will travel to Britain to defend his IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship against undefeated No. 1-ranked contender and local favorite Liam Walsh from Copper Box Arena in London. Russell will make a long-awaited homecoming—his first professional fight in the region—and his second WBC Featherweight World Championship defense against mandatory challenger Oscar Escandon live from MGM National Harbor just outside of Washington, D.C.

*Editors’ Note: In order to present all four bouts on one program, the Davis vs. Walsh bout may air on a delay basis of up to 30 minutes.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING host Brian Custer will anchor the four-fight telecast from Maryland with coverage of Davis vs. Walsh provided by BT Sport. Veteran sportscaster Mauro Ranallo will handle play-by-play at MGM National Harbor with Hall of Famer Al Bernstein and former two-division champion Paulie Malignaggi serving as analysts. Emmy award winning sports reporter Jim Gray and 2017 Hall of Fame inductee Steve Farhood will also serve from ringside. Secondary Audio Programming will be offered in Spanish by Alejandro Luna and former world champ Raúl Marquez.

From London, John Rawling will handle play-by-play for Davis vs. Walsh with former world champion Richie Woodhall providing the color commentary at Copper Box Arena.

“May 20 will be a big night of boxing and it kicks off a run of four consecutive weeks of world class fights on SHOWTIME,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®. “We have consistently delivered the biggest and most important boxing events from around the globe to SHOWTIME subscribers. This unique presentation—four fights, two world championships and two title eliminators, from different continents, all on one show—is yet another example of our unrivaled commitment to the sport.”

The 22-year-old Davis (17-0, 16 KOs) is the youngest reigning world champion from the United States and the second youngest in the world. The Baltimore native and Floyd Mayweather protégé will travel to hostile territory in his first title defense against Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs) in a matchup of undefeated southpaws.

Russell Jr. (27-1, 16 KOs) will look to make a statement in the loaded featherweight division against mandatory challenger Ecandon (25-2, 17 KOs), who owns a stunning knockout of former world champion Jesus Cuellar. Russell vs. Escandon is the sixth featherweight title bout on SHOWTIME since February 2016.

Two world title eliminators will round out the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING quadrupleheader. Top super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) and José Uzcátegui (26-1, 22 KOs) will face off in an IBF Super Middleweight Eliminator to determine the mandatory challenger for champion James DeGale.

Undefeated Rances Barthelemy (25-0, 13 KOs) will meet Kiryl Relikh (21-1, 19 KOs) in a WBA Super Lightweight Eliminator for unified champ Julius Indongo. Barthelemy, who won titles at 130 and 135, will earn an opportunity to become Cuba’s first three-division champion with a win over the hard-hitting Relikh.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Mitchell Smith wants to jump the queue and face Liam Walsh…if the Cromer man becomes IBF World Super-Featherweight Champion.

Walsh challenges Gervonta Davis in the American’s first title defence at London’s Copper Box Arena on May 20, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Smith, 24, boxes on the undercard and will immediately target Walsh if both men win their contests.

The Harrow man said: “Too many British fighters are full of themselves, but just running from real fights.

“Give me a couple fights and I would love to take on Liam Walsh.

“It would be an easy voluntary defence to make and I’m sure there would be a nice couple of quid for Liam.”

Although Davis is being heralded as the heir apparent to his promoter Floyd Mayweather Jr and one of America’s great boxing hopes, Smith is tipping an upset Walsh win.

“Apart from Jose Pedraza in his last fight who has Davis fought?”, Mitchell asked.

“Liam’s size makes a difference and I think he will win.

“Liam is a really good fighter and it’ll take a very good man to get his measure. I’m a fan.”

Smith has also been linked with boxing Josh Warrington, but he says: “Going to featherweight is not on my mind at the minute.”

Mitchell returned to the ring with a win last October after suffering a shock loss to George Jupp, a defeat that cost him a World ranking.

He added: “I would love to fight Liam, but if not any British boxer at Lightweight or Super-Featherweight.

“Fights at Lightweight that appeal are British Champion Robbie Barrett or the winner of the WBO European title clash between Craig Evans and Stephen Ormond.

“I might not have the height for a Lightweight, but I punch hard and have good footwork that will cause problems.”

All floor seating at the Copper Box Arena has SOLD OUT.

Remaining tickets priced £40 and £50 are available from www.seetickets.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Baltimore’s Gervonta Davis will make the first defence of his IBF Super-Featherweight crown against undefeated Cromer hero Liam Walsh at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday 20th May, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Davis, known as simply ‘The Tank’ for his brutal knockout power, spectacularly announced himself as boxing’s next superstar with an unforgettable seventh round stoppage win over former Champion Jose Pedraza in January and is relishing making the first defence of his crown on foreign soil.

Slick southpaw Walsh outclassed Andrey Klimov back in October to confirm his mandatory status as the number one contender and has not put a foot wrong in his career to date, winning the British, Commonwealth and WBO European belts along his 21-0 journey.

Ahead of their eagerly-anticipated World Title showdown later this month, Davis and Walsh were joined by promoters Floyd Mayweather and Frank Warren for an unmissable face to face interview.

WATCH THE EXCLUSIVE FACE TO FACE INTERVIEW HERE

All floor seating at the Copper Box Arena has SOLD OUT.

Remaining tickets priced £40 and £50 are available from www.seetickets.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Liam Walsh hopes hammering WBO Super-Featherweight Champion Gervonta Davis later this month will be a step towards a ‘Battle of Britain’ against Terry Flanagan.

Unbeaten Walsh challenges Davis, who is being touted to take his promoter Floyd Mayweather Jr’s mantle as boxing’s number one star, at London’s Copper Box Arena on May 20.

Walsh is oozing confidence and believes beating the American would help lure Mancunian Flanagan into making a defence of his WBO Lightweight Championship against him.

Cromer’s Walsh, 30, said: “A great fight would be against Terry Flanagan.

“I have got so much respect for him and it is between him and Linares who is the best in the world.

“It is a huge fight for Britain, but Terry is most probably not interested in fighting me because I haven’t earned his stripes.

“I think he is tight on weight and looking at moving up soon, but without sounding big headed if it was at ten stone I’d still do it.

“People will laugh but I think I can hold my own at Super-Lightweight. Maybe someone needs to fill me in and bring me down to earth.

“I have just got self belief and confidence that I can hold my own up to ten stone. People will think I’m an idiot, but until I am proved wrong I will have that mentality.”

Undefeated Davis, 22, has knocked out 16 of his 17 opponents, but Walsh dismissed his power adding: “I have watched his fights on YouTube. He is hitting people with four or five clean punches and they are not going anywhere.

“For me, he has got the Chris Eubank Jr effect. He throws all these really good looking shots then he nails the guy flush across the chin and the guy looks at him.

“You think, ’That should have knocked him out’, because it looks brilliant but he isn’t knocking people out cold.”

All floor seating at the Copper Box Arena has SOLD OUT.

Remaining tickets priced £40 and £50 are available from www.seetickets.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

IBF Super-Featherweight World Champion Gervonta Davis has promised to capitalise on any Liam Walsh mistakes when the rivals battle it out at London’s Copper Box Arena on May 20, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

The 19-0 Floyd Mayweather protege is deep into his training camp ahead of the first defence of his World Title and is confident he will be returning to the US with his belt.

‘Tank’ may not have fought outside of the US during his pro career but he has travelled in his amateur days: “In the amateurs I’m very experienced, I’ve been to Ireland, they love me over there.”

“It’s great for me to fight over in the UK for exposure, also at a young age, I’m all for it and I’m ready. Hopefully May 20th Liam Walsh is ready, I’m going to put on a great performance.”

Davis hasn’t forgotten who will be standing across the ring from him in London, when asked whether he had studied Walsh at all the Baltimore native responded: “Yeah, I actually did two days ago, the guy knocked Walsh down and still didn’t win, I was like ‘What?’”

Walsh’s durability is something Davis has taken note of, when asked about burning himself out going for the knockout he said: “We’re not looking for the knockout or anything like that, but if the [knockout] presents itself we’re definitely going for it, we’re gonna capitalise on his mistakes, hopefully he doesn’t make a lot of them otherwise it’s going to be an early night!”

An action-packed undercard features Light-Heavyweight knockout artist Anthony Yarde taking on Southern Area Champion Chris Hobbs for his first professional title; teenage Heavyweight monster Daniel Dubois goes in search of another big knockout; plus Southampton’s Joe Pigford and Barking’s Aaron Morgan put their unbeaten records on the line in a potential barn burner.

Local talent including Harrow’s Mitchell Smith; Hornchurch Super-Welterweight ‘Hammer’ Sammy McNess; Sikh sensation Sanjeev Singh Sahota;Chingford Super-Featherweight Boy Jones Jnr; Ilford Super-Bantamweight Lucien Reid; New Malden Super-Middleweight Lerrone Richards; Welling Super-Featherweight Archie Sharp; Chelmsford Super-Middleweight Billy Long; Croydon Flyweight Sunny Edwards; and Wycombe Ben Smith complete an unmissable card.

All floor seating at the Copper Box Arena has SOLD OUT.

Remaining tickets priced £40 and £50 are available from www.seetickets.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Undefeated WBO Inter-Continental Super-Lightweight Champion Jack Catterall is backing Liam Walsh to dethrone IBF King Gervonta Davis when the pair clash in a blockbuster World Title showdown at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday 20th May, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

‘El Gato’ has been been sparring with Cromer hero Walsh at the Club Boxeo Povedano De Arona gym in Tenerife. The Chorley man believes British Champion Walsh will be able to defeat Floyd Mayweather protege Davis by using his superior boxing brain.

“I’ve been sparring Liam in Tenerife and he’s looking really, really good,” said Catterall. “His timing and footwork are brilliant. I was very impressed. I’ve also sparred Gervonta’s brother Malik Hawkins at the Mayweather gym.

“Gervonta looked really good when he dealt with Pedraza. He clearly packs a big punch so Liam needs to stay switched on, use his feet and brains, and avoid getting involved. If he can do that, Walsh wins by points decision.”

An action-packed undercard features Light-Heavyweight knockout artist Anthony Yarde taking on Southern Area Champion Chris Hobbs for his first professional title; teenage Heavyweight monster Daniel Dubois goes in search of another big knockout; plus Southampton’s Joe Pigford and Barking’s Aaron Morgan put their unbeaten records on the line in a potential barn burner.

Local talent including Harrow’s Mitchell Smith; Hornchurch Super-Welterweight ‘Hammer’ Sammy McNess; Sikh sensation Sanjeev Singh Sahota; Chingford Super-Featherweight Boy Jones Jnr; Ilford Super-Bantamweight Lucien Reid; New Malden Super-Middleweight Lerrone Richards; Welling Super-Featherweight Archie Sharp; Chelmsford Super-Middleweight Billy Long; Croydon Flyweight Sunny Edwards; and Wycombe Ben Smith complete an unmissable card.

All floor seating at the Copper Box Arena has SOLD OUT.

Remaining tickets priced £40 and £50 are available from www.seetickets.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

With less than four weeks until the IBF World Super-Featherweight Title fight between Floyd Mayweather protege Gervonta Davis and challenger Liam Walsh, the tension is beginning to build.

On May 20th, ‘Tank’ Davis makes the first defence of his strap at the Copper Box Arena, where the Mayweather hype train will roll into London.

Mandatory challenger Liam Walsh is unbeaten in 21 contests, and will fancy his chances of upsetting the man billed as America’s next big star.

Ryan Walsh, brother of the Cromer hero, responded to a BoxNation tweet on Monday showing the immense speed of Davis, mocking the Baltimore man.

Walsh, who makes the third defence of his British Featherweight strap against Marco McCullough on the undercard, Tweeted: “The #speed he leaves England when my brother exposes him!!”

Davis, replied later that day, stating that he’ll beat Ryan after he becomes the first man to defeat Liam, Tweeting: “You can get in there next after I whip ya brother’s ass. Flat!”

“I’ll give you a comeback whooping if you’re still interested after Liam deals with you,” fired back 30-year-old Walsh, who also labelled the American as “chubby”.

An action-packed undercard features Light-Heavyweight knockout artist Anthony Yarde taking on Southern Area Champion Chris Hobbs for his first professional title; teenage Heavyweight monster Daniel Dubois goes in search of another big knockout; plus Southampton’s Joe Pigford and Barking’s Aaron Morgan put their unbeaten records on the line in a potential barn burner.

Local talent including Harrow’s Mitchell Smith; Hornchurch Super-Welterweight ‘Hammer’ Sammy McNess; Sikh sensation Sanjeev Singh Sahota; Chingford Super-Featherweight Boy Jones Jnr; Ilford Super-Bantamweight Lucien Reid; New Malden Super-Middleweight Lerrone Richards; Welling Super-Featherweight Archie Sharp; Chelmsford Super-Middleweight Billy Long; Croydon Flyweight Sunny Edwards; and Wycombe Ben Smith complete an unmissable card.

All floor seating at the Copper Box Arena has SOLD OUT.

Remaining tickets priced £40 and £50 are available from www.seetickets.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk