Gervonta Davis-Liam Walsh to fight on May 20 in London
IBF super featherweight champion Gervonta Davis (17-0, 16 KOs) will make the first defence of his title against Britain’s Liam Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs) on May 20 at the Copper Box Arena in London.
Davis dethroned Jose Pedraza by seventh round stoppage in January to become boxing's youngest current world champion at age 22, and the American will now defend the IBF belt in his first professional bout on foreign soil.
"I always wanted to come to the UK and fight,” said Davis. "Many of my fans are based there, so I’m just excited that they will be able to come see me fight in their own backyard.
"Liam Walsh is a tough contender and I’m hoping he brings it. I will be well-prepared for whatever he does, and believe me when I say that I will put on a great show.
"That IBF belt is very happy at home with me and it will be staying with me for a long, long time. To all the people that have been messaging me positive things on my social media, thank you. Keep supporting me and I’ll fight for you."
Walsh has won the British and Commonwealth titles and continued rising up the rankings with a one-sided points win over Andrey Klimov last October.
"This is a serious fight," said Walsh. "He is going to bring his best and I’m going to bring mine. He is a very good fighter and I’m a very good fighter. May the best man win. I 100 per cent believe that is going to be me.
"I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity and I’m ready to seize my moment and win a world title. Years of hard work in the gym has got me to where I am today and I’m not going to waste this golden opportunity."