Having missed out on a shot at the vacant WBA super lightweight title Ohara Davies (23-2, 16 KOs) may land the consolation of fighting in an eliminator.
The number three ranked contender was disappointed not to be put forward by the WBA who nominated Alberto Puello (1) and Batyr Akhmedov (6) to square off for the belt dropped by Josh Taylor. Ismael Barroso (2) will fight the winner.
“When I found out about the WBA’s decision, I was gutted,” said Davies via a Probellum press release.
“I feel like I should be given the shot next because I was meant to fight Ismael Barroso, but he pulled out of our fight, so I don’t understand how he can be made mandatory challenger for the title.”
Davies returns to action this Saturday (no opponent confirmed) at the Leeds Utd FC Banqueting Suite, a card which also features Archie Sharp and a main event involving Jack Bateson and Diego Ruiz.
‘Two Tanks’ may not be fighting for a world title just yet but facing Sandor Martin will be a true test of Davies’ top tier credentials. The 30-year-old Londoner says it also would give him the opportunity to get one over on the Spaniard’s promoter Eddie Hearn.
“There is a feeling of relief that I get to fight Sandor Martin in an eliminator, because I now get the chance to wipe the smile off Eddie Hearn’s face.”
“Martin is a good fighter,” he continued.
“He’s hard-working and he came in as the underdog against Mikey Garcia and got the win. He’s fast on his feet and a good boxer but one thing I know is that he isn’t a puncher. And all it will take is one right hand to the chin, from me, and it’ll be all over.
“After this fight in Leeds, give me another eight to 10 weeks and I will be ready for Sandor, whether it’s here or in Spain.”