Liverpool super lightweight Robbie Davies Jnr is closing in on a world title and will defend his WBA continental belt on the undercard of the Chris Eubank v Arthur Abraham bill in London on July 15th, which is live and exclusive on ITV Box Office.
Undefeated in 15 fights, the talented and hard-hitting fighter first won the belt when he stopped Finnish hard man Jarko Putkonen in Liverpool in March 2016. Following a successful defence earlier this year he has now risen through the WBA rankings to No3 and is within touching distance of a world title shot.
In his last outing in January, the 27-year-old looked impressive in front of the ITV cameras when stopping Zoltan Szabo in nine rounds.
If he emerges victorious on the Eubank v Abraham bill, promoted by Roxon Sports, in association with Team Sauerland, Davies Jnr will be in line for a world title shot later this year, or in early 2018.
Davies said: “I’m absolutely made up to be on such a great show, defending my belt and in front of ITVs cameras once again. Last time I did well and lots of people were impressed by my performance but I know I can do even better and I aim to do just that in July.
“The world title situation is becoming a bit clearer. I am ranked No3 with the WBA and their champion is Julius Indongo, who beat Ricky Burns in Glasgow in April. It looks like he will get some time to prepare for a defence against the winner of the re-match between Kiryl Relikh and Rances Barthelemy, which was a great fight. That is planned for later this year. If I defend the belt successfully then I am next in line.
“It is amazing to think that this time next year I could be a world champion and I would like to thank Richard Poxon and all at ITV Sport for giving me and my manager Neil Marsh this opportunity. I am training well with Dave Tonks and preparing for a hard fight in July, no matter who I get. We are looking at a few names and we will announce my opponent soon, but I am closing in on my dream now and I am not going to let it go, no matter who it is.”
Davies Jnr has a manager in Neil Marsh, who has seen and done it all, including taking little-known Armenian David Avanesyan to world title glory only last year. Marsh said: “This is just reward for Robbie, his family and friends and all our team for a lot of hard work and patience. Robbie is improving with every fight and he thoroughly deserves his chance for a world title shot.
“It has taken time but we have got there. A win in July on what is turning out to be a massive show – Eubank and Abraham will be a great fight – will leave Robbie in line, just one or two fights away, for a shot at whoever is champion. The plan is to fight for the belt later this year or early in 2018.”
Marsh added: “We have got to thank Richard Poxon and the ITV team. They know what Robbie is capable of and have invested in him in. Now we have to make his dream a reality. As Robbie says, he was impressive last time in front of their cameras, but he will be even better in July. He is the best super lightweight in the country, definitely.”
CHRIS EUBANK JNR v ARTHUR ABRAHAM
THE SSE ARENA, WEMBLEY – SATURDAY 15 JULY 2017
Tickets now on sale –
Box Office: 0844 815 0815
ssearena.co.uk
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