Timing perfect as Liam Walsh finally gets his shot at a world title
Liam Walsh (white shorts) on his way to victory over Andrey Klimov last time out. Philip Sharkey/TGS Photo - Credit: Philip Sharkey/TGS Photo
Undefeated Cromer fighter Liam Walsh believes his long-awaited world title shot against IBF champion Gervonta Davis has come at the perfect time.
Liam Walsh after beating Andrey Klimov in October. Philip Sharkey/TGS Photo - Credit: Philip Sharkey/TGS Photo
Floyd Mayweather protege Davis makes the first defence of his crown against mandatory challenger Walsh at London's Copper Box Arena on Saturday, May 20 – live on BT Sport and BoxNation.
Walsh's date with destiny has been a long time in the making – a car crash forced the 30-year-old to withdraw from his WBO world lightweight title fight against Ricky Burns back in 2012.
But now the super-featherweight – who has won all of his 21 outings – is ready to seize his opportunity and dethrone the man many are calling boxing's next superstar.
'I'm now fighting 'the man' in world boxing, or so they say,' said Walsh.
'It has been a hard journey to get myself back in place for another world title shot. There were times when I thought to myself 'is it ever going to happen?'.
'That's what makes champions – that defiance and will to keep on coming back from setback after setback and not be denied.
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'That's why I am here now. I have the desire and the will to push through and reach the top.
'The wait has definitely been worth it. I feel I sometimes box within myself because of the opponents that have been put in front of me but I know I'm ready for this world title shot. This is perfect timing for me.'
Walsh has gone into almost all of his fights as the favourite, a tag he dislikes and one which he is delighted to be shedding against Davis.
Skybet have Davis 2/9 and Walsh 3-1, at suits the Norfolk man.
'I'm happy with that – I know a lot of my mates have been putting money on me to win so my intention is quite simple, to make sure they make a tidy profit from the night,' he said.
'It's a big night for both of us but when I get into the ring it is just business, me and him. We will both be properly prepared, obviously, but at the moment I couldn't feel any better. Everything is going as it should be. We have done nothing different to what we have done for any of the other fights. We have worked hard, as always.'
