Davies And Misfits Make Their Statements
Ohara Davies and Misfits both made statements of their own on a night of very differing boxing entertainment.
For Davies, it was a night that earned him his world title shot after a decade as a pro. It has been a decade of dispute and derision, but there has always been an undeniable level of ability.
That level of ability was clear to see as he broke Lewis Ritson before stopping him with a sickening bodyshot in the ninth round. It was a finish preceded by heavy artillery stuff from Davies, who after round one never looked anything but in the ascendancy.
The left hook was the most effective punch in the opening rounds, which compensated for a right hand that Ritson did well to keep out of his range.
I’m sure he wishes he could’ve navigated that left in similar capacity.
On instruction of trainer Will Jones, Davies consistently thrashed the left downstairs which was sucking life and soul out of Ritson. It was that groundwork which enabled Davies to then step on the gas as the fight progressed.
Ritson, backed against the ropes, was under defensive scrutiny as Davies landed all punches from all angles. It was turning into a systematic beatdown…
… which in turn was finished off by that left to the body. Ritson was writhing on the floor, and even with a 20 second count would not have stood to his feet. Davies had completed the job WITH CONVICTION.
It lines him up for the WBA world title shot he has craved. He is still behind Ismael Barroso in the queue, but will no doubt end 2023 having fought for world honours.
To Misfits, who will no doubt end their 2023 with a royal rumble. It seems the only logical direction for an outfit who have managed to overhaul traditional boxing in pursuit of sports entertainment.
If you didn’t watch it, then don’t shoot the messenger, but it’s working.
The first ever tag-team saw an overmatched Luis Pineda excite his crazed new-found following by smashing Ice Poseidon and Anthony Vargas with the help of partner Bdave.
It made for an interesting dynamic when it came to tagging but with more experiment and ideally better matchmaking, it could well transform a scene that thrives on innovation.
Credit must go to the girls of the night as Astrid Wett and AJ Bunker stood toe-to-toe for three rounds. It was a perfect fight for Misfits, who have been open in saying they will reject boxing ability to embrace entertainment.
Astrid was the winner and was CROWNED THE FIRST FEMALE MISFITS CHAMPION - an accolade that will only ramp up the stakes for a potentially huge clash in the influencer scene with Elle Brooke.
At the top of the bill, hometown hero Jay Swingler fought and won a close decision with a surprisingly composed and capable Nichlmao. Both men were running on empty after four rounds in which they both took and delivered punches.
It was four rounds, however, that validated both men as considerable assets in this sphere. The pair did show some basic fundamentals, and what they ultimately lacked in a cutting edge they made up for in grit and determination.
JAY WAS UNHAPPY WITH HIS PERFORMANCE, but he got his night in front of a crowd that really showed up from the first bell of the night to the last.
Fair play, Misfits.
Oscar Bevis
Official reporter for iFL TV