McGuigan: Josh's class will prevail

Despite his acknowledgement that Ohara Davies is a world class boxer, Cyclone Promotions manager Barry McGuigan insists Josh Taylor will prove he is just too good for him.

Josh Taylor, Barry McGuigan, and Ohara Davies. Pic: SNS

The former WBA featherweight champion believes next month’s showdown between two of Britain’s most talked about undefeated super lightweights has all the ingredients to be one of the best domestic bouts this year.

That said, the Irishman has every confidence that his man, 26-year-old Commonwealth champion Taylor, will prevail at Braehead Arena on Saturday, July 8.

“He [Davies] is a dangerous fighter, there’s no doubt about it,” McGuigan emphasised. “We know it’s a risky fight at this stage, for both boxers. Josh is going to be in the best shape of his life and he needs to be, as does Ohara.

“Davies can really wallop and can punch. But any of these guys that are up at world level are all hard punchers. They’ve got great endurance, take the shot well and have the adaptability that a lot of others don’t have. Josh knows he’s going to come across more of these guys in his career but I believe 100 per cent that he’s too good for this guy and he will beat him up.”

McGuigan was left unimpressed by Davies’ more reserved approach at last week’s official fight press conference where he accused the 25-year-old Londoner of doing his best to “undersell the fight”. The Englishman has, in the past, come under scrutiny for his controversial and outspoken personality and, despite Taylor’s best efforts to entice his opponent into a war of words, Davies wouldn’t budge.

“They [Matchroom Boxing] thought they’d get it on their show but we didn’t want that,” McGuigan explained. “We’ve paid for it, a lot of money I must add, but we wanted to bring it to Scotland and to Josh’s fans. And of course Ohara came up here last week and did his best to undersell it where he was completely apathetic.

“He felt they’ve paid a lot of money for it but I’m not going to sell it for you. It’s bad form, but we expected it. Hopefully as the fight gets closer the real Ohara Davies will come out. But the fight sells itself. We will have a bumper undercard too so it’s going to be a great night.”