Shabaz Masoud jubilant after IBO super bantamweight title victory over Liam Davies - 'This is my moment'
Published 03/11/2024 at 13:44 GMT
Shabaz Masoud revelled in the moment after defeating rival Liam Davies to win the IBO super bantamweight title in Birmingham on Saturday night. The duo fought twice at youth level, with Masoud winning on both occasions. The hat-trick now comes with a title belt placed on his shoulder, and Masoud gave credit to his team after claiming "everyone doubted me for years".
‘Everyone doubted me’ - Masoud thrilled with win over Davies
Video credit: TNT Sports
Shabaz Masoud paid credit to his team after becoming the IBO super bantamweight champion in a split-decision victory over Liam Davies in Birmingham.
Masoud made it three wins and no losses against Davies after defeating the Telford native twice in the junior ranks.
"Everyone doubted me for years," Masoud told TNT Sports after the fight.
"All praise be to Allah. This is my moment, Liam had his. I respect him, he’s a great fighter and I respect him as a fighter.
"That’s boxing for you. The last day was his day, today is mine."
Two scorecards went Mashoud's way, 115-113 and 116-112 respectively, with a lone 115-113 favouring Davies.
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‘Everyone doubted me’ - Masoud thrilled with win over Davies
Video credit: TNT Sports
Masoud admitted he is unsure what is next for him after the win, but made clear his faith in his team to decide what is best after claiming the IBO title.
"I’m going to leave what’s next to my team and Matchroom Boxing. Whatever my team say, goes next.
"To my fans – don’t say anything to Liam, it’s big respect between both of us. We’re fighting men and we put it all on the line for everyone. He’s a good fighter so I don’t want to discredit him."
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The build-up to the fight was not overly friendly between the two teams throughout the week, but respect was shared in the ring after the final bell.
"Well done to Shabaz, I want him to enjoy his moment," said a disappointed Davies.
"As he said, I’ve had my moment and won my world title, and he’s done that tonight. It’s a nice feeling and fair play to him."
Promoter Frank Warren paid credit to both fighters, adding that Davies will return to the ring better than ever despite the defeat.
"He’s going to come back and fight again, he’s a champion and that’s what he does," Warren said.
"It takes two fighters to make a great fight and it was a great fight, they should both be very proud of themselves and the fans should respect both of them."
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