Commonwealth super-lightweight champion Josh Taylor (9-0 KO8) will meet with WBC Silver super-lightweight titleholder Ohara Davies (15-0-KO12) this weekend at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow on a Cyclone Promotions show, live on Channel 5.
The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Gold medalist puts his unbeaten record and Commonwealth title on the line against the former English champion from Hackney.
‘Two Tanks’ has the upper hand in experience in the paid ranks but ‘The Tartan Tornado’ has been at the top of the world in an amazing amateur career that has seen him win silver and gold in two consecutive Commonwealth Games.
Davies, 25, defeated Italy’s Andrea Scarpa over 12 rounds at Wembley last November to win the WBC Silver belt and in March took just three rounds to dispose of veteran Derry Mathews, again in London.
Taylor, 26, won his Commonwealth strap by defeating Dave ‘Rocky’ Ryan with a fifth-round stoppage last October in his hometown of Edinburgh.
Someone’s ‘0’ has got to go in this intriguing match-up between a top-class amateur against a naturally heavy-handed pro, so BBN called upon their panel of experts to see what they think:
Tommy LangfordBritish & Commonwealth middleweight champion
“I don’t really buy into the Ohara Davies hype. He’s being a bit quiet in this one and I don’t know whether that’s because he knows what he’s up against.
He can punch hard and is a gangly, awkward fighter but I really rate Taylor and is special to watch, and I think he can do a real job on him.
Boxing doesn’t really need characters like OD because it brings the sport down.
I want Taylor to win for his talent and technical side, and for the way he carries himself, he’s the best boxer from Scotland in recent years and is flying the flag for his country.
To be fair on Davies, he’s beaten everyone put in front of him but I think Taylor will win on points.”
Miles ShinkwinSouthern Area light-heavyweight champion
“Not a huge fan of Ohara Davies and his brash behaviour; Taylor, however, is one of the most impressive talents I’ve seen up close.
I expect Davies to be tough and make a go of it until halfway when Josh will run away with it, potentially getting a late stoppage.
Safe money is Taylor on points.”
Mark TibbsBoxing Coach
“The wealth of amateur experience and also very good technician Taylor versus the very confident, some say raw, but very clever and very awkward, hard-hitting Davies.
I can’t call it but look forward to watching the replay.
Great fight, fight fans are the winners.”
Andy GatenbyFormer unbeaten professional boxer
“I think Ohara Davies wins but not sure exactly how, whether via knockout or on points.”
Nathan WeiseSouthern Area title contender
"I was there when Ohara first walked into the gym. It was him and Anthony Yarde, and it's funny they're friends because they've got such similar records – all wins and mostly knockouts.
The reason they're so good is that they train so hard and have done since they were kids. Umar Sadiq is another one that was part of their group in the gym, he's just signed with Frank Warren so look out for him. They were all just kids but they were obsessed with training and being the best, and they all came from nothing so they deserve it and they'll all go far.
Ohara is not blessed with flair, he's blessed with power. When you get hit by OD, you're going to sleep! I'll be cheering for him as a friend but I've watched Josh Taylor and he has it all. He was a standout amateur and he's gonna' give Davies problems in the first few rounds.
Taylor commits and if you commit against Davies, you are going to get knocked out. Derry Mathews felt his power in their fight and didn't expect it.
I think Ohara Davies wins by KO within five rounds."
Tim RicksonSports Agent at TR Sports Agency
“Excellent fight and one that I’m a pleasantly surprised has been made so early on in each of their careers. I wish there was a match-up between top prospects like this every week.
I thought Taylor was special anyway but that knockout over Warren Joubert in his last fight was something else. He may not have fought anyone of Davies’ calibre in the pros yet but he would have fought much better opposition than him in the amateurs – world class opposition.
Davies has got amazing power and is awkward, clever and very sharp, but I will always favour the boxer with the amateur pedigree, so I’m going with Taylor to win on points.”
Ekow EssumanUndefeated welterweight
"This is a great match up!!
Ben DaySouthern Area super-lightweight champion
“Haven't seen much of Josh Taylor, but OD – how can u not back him? Confidence, belief, and the best eye contact I've seen, so it’s OD for me.”
Gianluca Di Caro BIBA
“I’m a huge fan of Ohara Davis, have been so even before he turned pro when he was training at the TKO, the kid is class and has a fantastic work ethic.
However, in my view, this is the toughest fight of Ohara’s career to date, and maybe coming a bit too soon.
My heart says, without doubt, Ohara has the tools in his locker to win the fight, however my head says that Josh may just edge this one, so am going with a close points win to Josh Taylor.”
Chris GloverBoxing Journalist
"Firstly, it's a cracking fight for both fighters at this stage of their careers. It appears that Davies is heading in as the underdog, which, considering his experience as a pro, may be considered a bit unjust.
Ohara's skills are underrated and his reach and timing isn't talked about it so I do expect it to be a hard night for Josh Taylor.
Despite this, I feel Taylor's amateur pedigree will show on the night and he will utitlise his classy southpaw style to grind out a points victory."
This article is sponsored by TR Sports Agency
