Ohara Davies unimpressed by Scott Cardle's victory over Sean Dodd
Tuesday 5 April 2016 14:20, UK
Ohara Davies is sure he's already beyond the likes of Scott Cardle and Sean Dodd and is already plotting a British title tilt.
The Hackney lightweight fights Andy Keates for the English crown at The O2 on Saturday - live on Sky Sports Box Office as part of the colossal Charles Martin vs Anthony Joshua card - and is brimming with enthusiasm over his future.
The undefeated Cardle defended his British belt in Liverpool last weekend via a controversial majority draw with Dodd but having watched the clash with interest, Davies found himself chomping at the bit ahead of his own first title fight.
The 24-year-old told Sky Sports: "I was watching that fight wishing it was me in there. For one, it's a title I really want to fight for. Secondly, it would have been the easiest fight ever. They both fought like complete amateurs.
"I watch other lightweights like Anthony Crolla, Terry Flanagan and Ricky Burns and I look up to them. They're good and any time I see them fight I still say to myself that I've a lot to learn. I've got to get fitter.
"Watching Cardle v Dodd, I'm past that level now. I would've knocked the both of them out if I'd fought on that show. I think Dodd won the fight but when you're fighting against a champion you have to beat them convincingly.
"Andy Keates reckons he's going to beat me on points or get a late stoppage because I've never been past round six but I reckon I'll finish him in two rounds. He's not on my level and I'll find him as easy as my previous opponents."
One man equally confident over Davies' potential is two-time world lightweight title challenger Kevin Mitchell, who recently called time on his career and has moved from sparring the youngster to helping Tony Sims coach him.
I said to him that he can be a world champion. He can be, as long as he keeps his head down and his feet on the ground.
Mitchell told Sky Sports: "Ohara beats them all. Trust me, I've been in the ring with him and had loads of hard spars. He can fight. He's vicious and the world's his oyster.
"I said to him that he can be a world champion. He can be, as long as he keeps his head down and his feet on the ground. If he doesn't go off the rails, he can do it all. He could win the British title now. Cardle is a mate of mine but Davies would beat him now.
"Ohara's a cool character. If he ever needs anything, he'll mention it and I'll answer. I speak in the gym about the times I was under pressure and did the wrong things but they know already that if they had a problem, they can come to me."
Davies vs Keates is part of Charles Martin vs Anthony Joshua, live on Sky Sports Box Office on April 9. Order the event online.
