Shabaz Masoud defeats Liam Davies on split decision to remain unbeaten and claim IBO super-bantamweight title
Shabaz Masoud defeated Liam Davies on a split decision to win the IBO super-bantamweight title in a battle of two undefeated fighters from the West Midlands at Birmingham’s bp Pulse Arena. In the chief undercard bout, Chantelle Cameron comfortably out-pointed Patricia Berghult over 10 rounds to keep hold of the interim WBC super-bantamweight belt.
Shabaz Masoud came into his fight for the IBO super bantamweight fight with Liam Davies as a big underdog but put on a fantastic display to win the belt by a split decision.
Masoud was given the title on two scorecards, 116-112 and 115-113, with Davies controversially awarded the last card 115-113.
Masoud beat Davies twice in the amateurs, but the latter’s run of three consecutive knockouts as he had risen in class made him the favoured fighter going into the contest.
‘The Maverick’ dominated from the first round, though, catching Davies clean with counters and straight left hands. The champion came forward, without much subtlety, looking to land powerful shots.
It was not until the middle stages of the contest that Davies could even take a round, but he did not lose heart and had some success down the stretch, forcing his opponent against the ropes and landing powerful shots.
Masoud did not wilt when challenged, continuing to land clean shots as his opponent went for the knockout in the closing stages to take what should have been a clear points win – evidenced by Davies’ corner telling him he needed a knockout in the final round.
There was bad blood leading up to the fight between Telford fighter Davies and Stoke native Masoud, but afterwards both showed each other respect after a fine contest.
In the chief support attraction, Chantelle Cameron comfortably defeated former world champion Patricia Berghult over 10 rounds to retain the interim WBC super lightweight title.
Cameron, who will have a close eye on Katie Taylor’s bout with Amanda Serrano in a fortnight, was never in danger of losing to Berghult, though may feel she should have come closer to stopping her opponent, given her dominance.
Earlier, there was a fight of the year contender as Ekow Essuman beat Ben Vaughan in a majority-points victory.
Neither man took a back step over the 10 rounds for the WBO European title, with Essuman’s cleaner shots proving pivotal despite Vaughan’s unrelenting output answering questions over whether he could last championship distance in the affirmative.
Essuman hopes this victory leads to a chance at a world title.
There were two early knockouts on the undercard. Rising light-heavyweight Ezra Taylor flattened Latvian opponent Kristaps Bulmeistars with his first right hand landed and, even allowing for the count, the fight was waved off after 24 seconds.
Commonwealth 2022 gold medalist Lewis Williams got a stoppage win on his professional debut, downing Lamah Griggs and forcing the referee to step in during the second round.
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