Davies-Masoud: It’s time for differences to be settled in ring

Will it be another Batman moment for Liam Davies tonight?

I’LL be honest, I’m a little uncomfortable about the bad blood that has simmered and bubbled before Liam Davies’ IBO title defence against fellow unbeaten Shabaz Masoud.

It’s been stewing – festering is a better word – for some months. Those who embrace and buy into the fake feuds that have become an unfortunate part of selling today’s big fights probably feel it adds spice to tonight’s Resorts World super-bantam scrap.

I don’t like the stench. It’s too rancid for a reporter who began writing about boxing in the mid 1970s when fighting men simply shook hands and wished each other the best.

It smells of things that are not a part of boxing.

And, in fairness, the fighters are blameless. Masoud, billed out of Stoke but with strong family links to Liam’s Telford home turf, was respectful, even a little withdrawn, at Thursday’s press conference.

Davies didn’t descend to trash talk.

Yet a knot of Masoud supporters heckled the champion throughout, which, for this veteran writer, was beyond the pale.

It is not what such media gatherings are about. They should’ve been removed.

That has been the story of the protracted build-up to this battle. Those not taking part have slung insults that should have no place in a sporting event, particularly boxing. Family have borne the brunt of a social media hate campaign, Liam alleges.

Davies stressed the taunts are “water off a duck’s back”, but they’ve evidently registered and sparked brooding anger. That can be unwanted baggage in a boxing ring.

He’ll deny it, but the 12 rounder appears to have become personal. It’s no longer strictly business.

“This ain’t about you,” he shouted at those goading him, “you amateur boxers who never made it. Stopping being sour. Say what you want – it’s not a problem for me. There are a few people who have had a few amateur fights and never done nothing with their careers. Say want you want now. Saturday night you are going to see.”

Shabaz is the same as me,” he insisted. “We are just chasing dreams. I have been out with my wife and people have drove past and shouted s*** at me. This is not about you, this is your man’s time.

“I don’t need a gang backing me, gassing me. He’s undefeated, he’s a good fighter and there’s a lot of talk he’s the next best. I’m always up for a challenge. I want to prove I’m the best and Saturday night I’ll do that.

“Unfortunately for him, he has to be the one who has to take it. I’m on a mission.

“When I hit people they fold. I can outbox him, I’ll do whatever it takes to win and quieten all the haters.”

In a separate interview with TNT Sports, Davies predicted: “I expect to fold him. Saturday night, Shabaz is on his own and he’s in trouble. I’m revved up, I’ve been sparring and putting people over. I come from the gravel and it will take more than him and his people here to stop me reaching my dreams.”

Masoud’s soundbites were less explosive. “It’s been an amazing camp, the team put me through hell,” he said.

“I have always performed best when I’m the underdog. One of the reasons I started boxing was because I had something to prove. This is another thing (to prove) for me and I’m going to prove everyone wrong.

“The talk is done. Liam is a good fighter and I’ve had to push myself to the limits. The way it’s looking, it looks like he’s underestimated me.”

Thankfully, the talking has stopped because the talk from some fans was unpleasant.

Within hours we’ll know which fighter has earned bragging rights.

Boxing matches described by the media as feuds are very rarely feuds.

This one is – and, frankly, that’s an ingredient contest could do without.