Kelly and Davis embroiled in heated war of words at pre-fight press conference in London
Josh Kelly (15-1-1, 8KO) meets unbeaten Ishmael Davis (13-0, 6KO) at Wembley Stadium, this Saturday, September 21, on the undercard of Joshua-Dubois, live on DAZN.
The rivals will clash over 12-rounds at middleweight, which will be ‘Pretty Boy’ Kelly’s first stint at 160lbs, having campaigned at welter then super-welterweight his entire career.
Both boxers have beaten shared opponent Troy Williams. ‘The Black Panther’ Davis, 29 from Leeds, defeated him via UD in his last fight in March, and ‘PBK’ decisioned him unanimously in a masterclass in 2022 to win the British super-welterweight title.
Josh Kelly, 30 from Sunderland, said: “I believe he is going to bring exactly what Liam Smith was going to bring, but the big difference is that Liam is world class.
“If you put our styles and boxing ability, side by side, I believe you will see that Ishmael has been tossed in at the deep end.
“When it comes to crunch time, the big crowd, it’s going to come on top of him, real quick.
“He hasn’t got the power for me to respect him and for him to want to stand and trade. He fought Troy Williamson and didn’t have him hurt once.
“[Ishamel] you need to wind it up and chill out. Relax, relax, I know it’s your first time, but relax.”
Reflecting on the exchanges, Kelly said with a smile: “It’s a bit spicy.”
Ishmael Davis said: “I heard Josh’s interviews this week – he’s overlooking me.
“Your best win is Troy Williamson, who I just beat as well, and every time you have stepped up, you have been beat.
“I am the most progressive British boxer and you are overlooking me. On Saturday, you are going to be in hell.
“You are a pretty boy, you are not cut like me.”