Shabaz Masoud Claims IBO Title in Thrilling Battle Against Liam Davies
In an electrifying showdown in Birmingham, Shabaz Masoud emerged victorious against Liam Davies, capturing the IBO super-bantamweight title via a split decision. This victory not only marks a significant milestone for Masoud but also serves as a sobering moment for Davies, who suffered his first defeat in 17 professional bouts.
Dynamic Encounter at BP Pulse LIVE
The bout was held at the bp pulse LIVE (formerly the NEC), where the atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation. The judges’ scorecards reflected the closely contested nature of the fight: one judge scored it 115-113 in favour of Davies, while the other two judges had it 115-113 and 116-112 for Masoud. This decision underscores the razor-thin margins that often define boxing matches at this level.
Masoud’s performance was a testament to his determination and skill, as he repeated his success from their amateur days, remaining unbeaten with 14 professional wins. In an interview with BBC Radio Shropshire, he expressed his elation, stating, “I’m the underdog that made it and there’s more to come. In one of the pre-fight press conferences Liam said, ‘I hope you’ve got the dog in you.’ I certainly proved just that. And I want to get better.”
Journey Marked by Resilience
Shabaz Masoud’s journey in boxing has been anything but straightforward. Originally from Stoke-on-Trent, he had previously won a national title as an amateur. However, his professional career has faced interruptions due to injuries and periods of inactivity. Signing with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom team has revitalised his career, allowing him to train under Ben Davison, who has previously coached boxing luminaries such as Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
The victory against Davies signifies a new chapter for Masoud, as he looks to build momentum. He remains rooted in his community, keen to foster connections between local gyms. “I said to Liam, we’ll meet up, we’ll go for some food and get the two gyms together,” he remarked. “At the end of the day, it’s all about community. The amateur gyms, the grassroots. It’s about getting everyone together. That’s what we need to do.”
Liam Davies: A Learning Experience
For Liam Davies, the defeat serves as a valuable lesson in the competitive world of boxing. He entered the ring with high expectations, but emotions seemed to cloud his performance. BBC boxing summariser and former world champion Richie Woodhall noted, “Liam went into the fight too emotional. He let it get to him. He’ll learn from it most certainly because he is a very good fighter.” Woodhall’s insights reveal that Davies relied heavily on his punching power, a tactic that ultimately did not yield the expected results.
Despite the setback, Davies’ youth and talent suggest he has the potential to rebound and ascend the ranks of boxing once again. As Woodhall pointed out, “He’s still young enough to come back and be a genuine world champion.”
Future Prospects for Shabaz Masoud
Masoud’s victory not only adds a title to his name but also positions him as a serious contender in the super-bantamweight division. The path ahead is lined with opportunities for further growth and success. His ability to adapt and improve will be crucial as he aims for higher accolades within the sport.
Reflecting on his recent performance, Masoud stated, “I want to get in the ring and not even get touched.” This determination illustrates his ambition to refine his craft and elevate his boxing skills to new heights.
As the boxing community looks ahead, Shabaz Masoud stands at a pivotal moment in his career, buoyed by this significant victory over Liam Davies. His journey embodies the spirit of perseverance and commitment, traits that will serve him well as he continues to navigate the challenges of professional boxing.
