Manchester Evening News

Liam says title chance was worth wait

- BOXING By SHELDAN KEAY @MENSports

LIAM Walsh admits he had doubts at one stage whether or not he would ever get the chance to challenge for a world title.

The Rochdale-born boxer has the opportunit­y to achieve a lifelong ambition when he faces highly-rated American Gervonta Davis for the IBF super-featherwei­ght title at the Copper Box Arena in London on May 20.

Walsh was previously scheduled to challenge for a world title against domestic rival Ricky Burns back in 2012, but a car crash forced him out of the bout through injury.

Now five years later, Walsh insists he will take the opportunit­y against Floyd Mayweather protégé Davis with both hands after a long period wondering if he would ever get another shot.

He said: “I’m now fighting ‘the man’ in world boxing, or so they say.

“It has been a hard journey to get myself back in place for another world title shot.

“There was times when I thought to myself ‘is it ever going to happen?’

“That’s what makes champions – that defiance and will to keep on coming back from set back after set back and not be denied. That’s why I am here now. I have the desire and the will to push through and reach the top.

“The wait has definitely been worth it. I feel I sometimes box within myself because of the opponents that have been put in front of me but I know I’m ready for this world title shot. This is perfect timing for me.”

 ??  ?? Liam Walsh
Liam Walsh
 ??  ?? Yorick Williams
Yorick Williams

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