ISHMAEL DAVIS will replace Liam Smith and step in to fight Josh Kelly on September 21 at Wembley Stadium.
Davis, who signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom in May, last fought in March beating former British super-welterweight champion Troy Williamson on points. The Leeds fighter had been heralded as one of British boxing’s best kept secrets and now gets his chance on the biggest stage at Wembley.
Kelly, who also beat Williamson – in December 2022, is the number two contender with the WBO and five with the WBC. A win for Davis would catapult him into the sanctioning bodies top 10 at 154lbs.
Kelly vs. Davis was announced by Turki Alalshikh on X today (September 16) and forms part of a six-fight card at Wembley headlined by Daniel Dubois defending his IBF Heavyweight title against Anthony Joshua.
Liam Smith has suffered a health setback we wish him a speedy recovery ❤️
He will be replaced by Ishmael Davis in the #RiyadhSeasonCard Wembley Edition on September 21 🥊Book your ticket now https://t.co/2LTK2LOAn7#BigTime #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/4Zn4eQ8aG5
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) September 16, 2024