Josh Kelly v Ishmael Davis: Leeds super-welterweight thrust into Wembley limelight on Joshua v Dubois card

Ishmael Davis, in his own words, is “just a lad trying to do big things”.

When he sat down for a chat with The Yorkshire Post, the Leeds boxer was preparing for a battle with Uisma Lima in Manchester, on the undercard of Jack Catterall’s bout against Regis Prograis.

It was due to be his first fight under the Matchroom Boxing umbrella, having caught the eye of Eddie Hearn and landed a promotional deal.

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“It feels like I'm getting somewhere in my career now,” he said. "Obviously, it's just the beginning.

"It feels really nice, it's humbling. They're the best promoters, everyone knows that.

"They're going over to America now, they're doing big things all over the world. They're the best promotional company so I'm grateful to be with them.”

Matchroom pride themselves on being providers of prestigious opportunities to those who are deserving. It soon transpired Davis’ first fight of his new deal would not be in Manchester.

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It would instead be under the famous Wembley Stadium arch, on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s IBF world heavyweight title fight against Daniel Dubois.

Davis has stepped in for a super-welterweight scrap with Josh Kelly, following the withdrawal of Liam Smith on health grounds.

It is quite the stage for a self-confessed up-and-comer but Davis does not appear the type to crumble under the weight of the pressure.

Wembley will be a long way from his early bouts at Elland Road’s Banqueting Suite, but convincing displays in Sheffield and Newcastle arenas have familiarised him with the limelight.

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Like any boxer worth their salt, he has no shortage of self-assurance. He has aspirations of flying the flag for the city of Leeds, just like his friend Josh Warrington.

"Just like Josh Warrington,” he said. “He's a pal of mine, he's a good guy, he's doing a lot for the city. As you know, there's always got to be a new, younger up-and-comer. I'm going to be the next big thing.

“World champion. That's every boxer's dream but it takes a lot to get there. Some people get fringe world levels, some people get to British, or some people get to English and can't get up there. I believe I can go all the way.”

Ringing endorsements from household names have only strengthened the 29-year-old’s belief in his ability.

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"I've been around other world champions, guys like Liam Smith, he speaks highly of me, Conor Benn is another,” Davis explained. “Everyone I hit, they speak highly of me and believe I'll go far. I believe it myself, first and foremost.”

Amidst the confidence is humility and Davis has recognised the importance of being a sponge. He has sought to learn from his contemporaries in an effort to become the champion he wants to be.

"Not just on a boxing perspective but outside the ring as well,” he said. “How they carry themselves, the way they speak, I'm just trying to be the best I can be. I take a little from everywhere.”

Those watching Davis for the first time in his Wembley bout may find themselves surprised. He has not built a 13-0 record by being rigid, he has instead refused to be pigeonholed.

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“I'm just trying to have my own style and switch it up constantly,” Davis explained. “I've never know anyone switch as much as me in the rounds, in the ring.

“I watch American boxing more so that's probably where it comes from. I'm just a lad trying to do big things.”

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