Liam one round win sparks ring carnival

Liam celebrates with family after one round win. Pictures: Julie Lockley

AWAY from the bedlam that followed Liam Davies’ one round blitz, dad and coach Tristan considered the future.

And the future currently dazzles for Liam following his crushing victory over Jason Cunningham last night (Saturday).

After 14 fights, a word title shot is within sight for the British and European champ. Japan’s wrecking ball, Naoya Inoue, would surely be too much at this stage, even in front of Davies’ devoted supporters

Instead, Filipino Marlon Tapales, IBF and WBA titleholder, tops the wish list.

There’s also a potential domestic super-fight with Dennis McCann – present at ringside - looming, although, from a financial perspective, it would be wise to let the match-up simmer and marinate.

But in the wild aftermath of his famous victory at Telford International Centre, Davies – tall and lean - announced his immediate dream extended no further than purchasing and devouring a large pizza.

The 27-year-old, who successfully defended his British and European belts and collected Cunningham’s international strap, is the ultimate local lad done good. Donnington, the economically challenged Telford suburb where he was raised, has experienced little joy in recent years. Davies has spread it thickly on the streets.

Holy broken bones…Batman joins the party

Against tough southpaw Cunningham, Davies announced he was ready for very big fights. There was a suspicion the 33-year-old challenger had slipped and, following heavy knockout defeat to Zolani Tete a year ago, was not the same fighter who captured British and European honours.

But no one expected the man to be wiped out so quickly – except Tristan. Hours before the first bell, he told me it would be over early.

And Liam came out hurling hooks as if looking for a quick victory. By the time referee Victor Loughlin waved it off at two minutes 46 seconds, Cunningham had been given a standing count, shaken to his bootlaces, had been frozen by heavy punches and blood spilled from his nose.

He protested the intervention, but Tristan rightly pointed out: “He was only going to sleep, wasn’t he? He was only going to be knocked out.”

Team Davies are all smiles after a famous victory

Loughlin spared the brave warrior from being flattened.

“He was on the ropes, his nose was bleeding heavy,” Tristan added. “Liam’s hitting very hard and  Cunningham didn’t hit him with anything.”

Liam bristled bad intent from the get-go. A long right sent shockwaves through Cunningham’s body and, with the northerner defenceless, his body bent through the ropes, Loughlin tolled a standing count.

It was a temporary reprieve. Smelling blood, Davies connected with two jarring hooks that drained Cunningham’s last fighting reserves.

The ending sparked wildly celebrations, with bare chested fans dancing to Depeche Mode classic “Just Can’t Get Enough”. Donnington, evidently, is also a suburb trapped in musical time.

Cunningham sportingly applauds Davies after being stopped

And, bizarrely, an individual in full Batman outfit joined Liam’s jubilant team in the ring.

It was a fitting carnival for a town that has, in Liam Davies, found its own super-hero.

Both men scaled 8st 9lbs.