If you can’t respect Liam now, you’re just jealous, says father

Liam Davies…dad and trainer hits back over social media posts

THE father of IBO world super-bantam champ Liam Davies has hit out at “disrespectful” posts following the fighter’s withdrawal through illness from a defence against Shabaz Masoud.

A virus forced Davies, a product of Donnington’s mighty amateur gym in Telford – a conveyor belt of top boxers, out of last Saturday’s eagerly anticipated battle of unbeatens at Resorts World. The pair now look set to meet in October.

The decision to withdraw, made four weeks before the contest, met with a predictably social media storm from fans of the Potteries fighter. In a nutshell, they accused 28-year-old Liam of swerving Masoud, unbeaten in 12 and WBA intercontinental belt holder.

They made much of the fact Masoud holds a victory over Davies dating back to their amateur days.

Tristan Davies, Liam’s dad and trainer, said: “Every person who gets in a boxing ring deserve respect and most of the people making those comments have never been in a boxing ring.

“It was 100 per cent a virus. We went to Italy sparring and the two of us were both really rough with it. It took three weeks to get over it.

“We tried to get back to 90 per cent (fitness), but it didn’t happen and Liam still turned up on the night. We gave them plenty of time, pulling out four weeks before. We could’ve been naughty and played the game. We could’ve pulled out a week before, but we have been fair and people should respect that.”

Instead of Davies, Masoud outpointed Nicaragua’s Marvin Solano over eight rounds on the massive Queensberry show at Resorts World.

The date of his meeting with the world titleholder may have changed, but Tristan is confident the outcome hasn’t. Heavy-handed Liam, considered one of Britain’s best boxer, will be victorious.

“There is only one outcome that will happen,” said Tristan, “and we will deal with that on the night.

“We hand-picked Masoud ourselves. Did we want some tough American or Mexican or did we want to fight someone local? We have given him the title shot.

“They keep bringing up the fact Liam lost to him by split decision 10 years ago. Liam has improved massively compared to him.”

A lot has changed since then. Davies has become a dominant force in the super-bantam division after a 16 bout unbeaten run that has seen him collect English, British, European and world honours.

The former binman’s fairytale rise reached a new high in March when he stopped Erik Robles Ayala for the vacant IBO title. A mega-fight for a more significant version of the world crown should happen early next year.

“Those who can’t respect Liam now, after what he’s done, are just jealous people,” said Tristan. “He has done it the hard way – no back up and out of a small gym on a council estate. He’s shown it can be done.

“How many times does he have to prove himself? Next time, he’ll just prove it again.”