Liam Smith Withdraws From Josh Kelly Fight After Catching A Virus
Former middleweight world champion Liam Smith has withdrawn from Saturday’s fight with Josh Kelly after picking up a virus, organizers confirmed on Monday.
Smith (33-4-1 20 KO) was scheduled to face Kelly (15-1-1 8 KO) in a middleweight bout on the undercard of Daniel Dubois’ IBF heavyweight world title fight against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in London, England.
However, a statement was released on Monday morning announcing that Smith, who previously held the WBO’s 160-pound title, has been forced to pull out after contracting an illness. The Liverpool fighter has been replaced by Ishmael Davis (13-0-0 6 KO).
“The unbeaten Ishmael Davis has been confirmed to take on Josh Kelly as part of the Riyadh Season Wembley Card this Saturday September 21 in London,” the statement read. “The Leeds-born fighter most recently defeated Troy Williamson via unanimous decision in a 12-round super-welterweight contest and now gets the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with Kelly at Wembley Stadium this weekend following the withdrawal of Liam Smith due to a virus.
“The fight is part of a stacked card at England’s national stadium on Saturday headlined by Daniel Dubois’ first defence of his IBF heavyweight title against two-time former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in front of what is expected to be a record crowd for a UK boxing event.
“The Riyadh Season Card showpiece in London features a total of six all-British fights as well as a special performance from legendary Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher.”
A last-minute change of opponent is never ideal for any fighter, and Kelly will now need to adjust his final preparations to suit Davis. It’s not been confirmed whether the fight will still go ahead at middleweight or take place in their more natural 154lb division.
After turning professional in 2017, Kelly emerged as one of the most exciting talents in British boxing. Known for his razor-sharp punches and defensive reflexes, his eye-catching style drew comparisons with ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed.
However, a damaging sixth-round stoppage defeat to David Avanesyan when challenging for the European welterweight title in 2021 set back Kelly’s career. He has since put together a run of five straight wins and at 30 years old, will be aiming to get closer to title contention over the next 12 months.
Davis will enter the ring on Saturday following a career-best win over Williamson in March in what was his first 12-round bout. The 29-year-old is set to appear on by far the biggest stage of his career at Wembley.
Kelly v Davis will be one of five exciting fights to take place on the undercard this weekend. It will begin with a lightweight fight between Mark Chamberlain and Josh Padley, followed by a light-heavyweight grudge match featuring Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson.
Anthony Cacace will then put his IBF super-featherweight title on the line against former two-time champion Josh Warrington, before Hamzah Sheeraz challenges European middleweight champion Tyler Denny in the co-main event.
Dubois will then defend his IBF title against Joshua in the headline bout.
