Novice Davies ready for step up in class

It just isn't the way things are traditionally done. On September 17th, Paul Davies, in only his third pro fight, steps up in class against VIP boxing starlet Terry Flannigan (6-0 2KO), at the Manchester Veledrome.

In a sport where your first 15 bouts are usually 'learning fights', Davies will attempt to make his break into the big time. In what promises to be one of the most intriguing bouts the North West will see all year, both men will risk their unbeaten records not for a title, not for millions of pounds, just out of a desire to see who is the best and to give the public what they want.

It is an attitude that has to be applauded, and an attitude we are seeing more and more in the last few years, as boxing struggles to halt the incursions made by MMA.

Davies, a giant super-feather at 5ft 10, is part of the new breed, but knows he will have to be at his best to defeat Flannigan, a Mancunian who has been earning some rave reviews. It is a story that may never have actually happened. Not coming from a traditional 'fight family' Davies, remembers how he first got into boxing.

“It was in that time between your last year at primary school, and your first year at high school. I was playing on the beach and was chatting with a friend. He said he was going boxing and asked if I wanted to come. I agreed to go and its started there. My friend only lasted two weeks but I loved it. My Mum was going on that I couldn't go boxing, but in four weeks I was having the medical, I had caught the bug.”

Success followed success for the youngster, and his record quickly became a who's who of Welsh boxing. “ I won the Schoolboy, youth and NABC titles, and I just missed out on a medal at the Box Norwege cup (in Norway). That was my biggest disappointment as I felt I boxed better in the round before the medal matches. I have some good names on my ledger, I fought Gary Buckland twice in Welsh finals, I lost them, but I think I did enough. It is always hard when you come from the north and fight a South Wales lad down there, it's just one of those things. I also beat Robbie Turley.”

He then moved onto his fight with Chester prospect Paul Economides. Despite a defeat to Scotsman Stephen Russell, Economidies has carved something of a name for himself in the last 18 months. Davies remembers their amateur bout and still believes he was at the unjust end of the points decision.

“Now the Paul Economides fight, not being funny but I think I boxed his head off. But he was quite rugged and come forward, so they gave him the decision. Paul is a good friend of mine, and we still do quite a bit of training together. Looking to the future I would love the chance to avenge that one. Now we are both men.”

There is no malice from the intelligent, well spoken Davies towards his friend. It is all very good natured and smacks of something they have spoken about many a time in the years following their contest. Though there is a a weight division between the two, one suspects that in the forthcoming years, that match may get spoken about more and more. Soon it was time for Paul to turn pro. Many options are open to the fighter at this time, many possible paths to take. It is important that he chooses the right one. Davies' guiding light came in the form of the man who, in the next few years would turn out to be one of the countries greatest prospects, even if the guiding light didn't know it himself.

“I grew up with Tom Doran since we were little kids and we were always at the same level of ability. But in my final amateur year I had a hard time because I lost my coach. Tom, on the other hand was drawn in the Welsh championships in what I thought was going to be the hardest division. He just went and wiped the floor with them, blew them away. It was then I knew I had to go with his coach Shane Thomas to get to the next level.”

It was a decision Davies was never to regret. In ex- pro Shane, he had found not only a coach, but a mentor. He is glowing with his endorsement. “Shane Thomas has a lot of influence. He is not only a coach but he is a best friend. He always keeps you in the know and is very honest, I like that. Plus he has been a pro so knows all the pitfalls, he has that real experience. With him having links to Oliver Harrison I think I am in one of the best stables around.”

It was Shane, keeping me in the know who, informed me of the bout against Terry Flannigan. As a fan, it filled me with a great sense of excitement. I was never worried about the fight, Shane looks after his fighters and won't be throwing them into unwinnable or dangerous matches. My only worry was the venue, or should I say the promotion. Flannigan is a VIP boy and they will be fighting on a VIP show. It would have been very easy for the camp to say 'god, we saw the controversy when Matvienko got the decision against Gumati, thanks but no thanks'. Thankfully this camp have more guts than that, and Davies is chomping at the bit.

“I could have had this fight a few months back. I was training for a fight in May which fell through, and I got the call at short notice. I liked the fight, but when I think about it, when you fight somebody like Terry Flannigan you don't want to just be fit, you want to prepare for that particular fighter. So a few phone calls were made and they offered us a date in September, and we accepted. I'm absolutely made up.”

So are there any worries about fighting on the VIP bill? “ I know to get the decision I will need to box his head off and truthfully, I think I can do that. Yes it's a risk, but the fight game is about risk, I'm so looking forward to it.”

As previously stated, Thomas is not going to throw any of his guys to the wolves and the stories coming out of the Shotton gym tell of Davies turning into one hell of a fighter.

“I have always had good footwork, I would give myself 10/10 for that, but I have never been that strong. Now, under Shane, I have loads more strength and I'm starting to hit hard. I feel I can change a fight with that, at range or up close. And I still have my height which is a great help and I'm not struggling at the weight. I think I must just be blessed with a naturally hollow body!”

Davies appears to have that natural confidence you need before you step into the ring against a man who may be regarded as the favourite. The last time I saw this confidence was when I interviewed Russell pre Economides. You left the conversation knowing the other guy didn't just think he was going to win, he knew he was going to win. That belief is a powerful ally. So what does the future hold for the youngster? Needless to say, as seems to be the norm for all Shane Thomas fighters, no braggadocio comments, just a statement of intent.

“I want to prove myself the best super-feather in Wales, and then I want to prove myself the best in Britain.”

First up he must face off against Terry Flannigan. The countdown has begun, the North West is watching. Both contenders know that this fight could take them from average prospect to vaunted prospect. To the victor go the spoils. Let's get it on!