Ishmael Davis, known in the ring as `The Black Panther,` finds himself in a familiar, albeit demanding, position: preparing for an immediate challenge while simultaneously eyeing redemption from past encounters. With a crucial bout against Caoimhin Agyarko looming, Davis is also making it abundantly clear that two significant names remain firmly on his radar: Josh Kelly and Serhii Bohachuk. For Davis, his two professional blemishes aren`t scars of defeat but rather strategic setbacks, each carrying the asterisk of `short notice.`
The Josh Kelly Conundrum: A Question of Time and Urgency
The first chapter of Davis`s redemption story involves Josh Kelly. Their initial encounter saw Davis, 13-2 (6 KOs), step in for an injured Liam Smith. The resulting super-welterweight clash was a testament to Davis’s adaptability, ending in a razor-thin majority decision loss for the Leeds man. Many observers, including Davis himself, felt that with a full training camp – that almost mythical luxury for a professional boxer – the outcome could have been drastically different.
Davis candidly admits that a more urgent start, rather than conserving energy given his limited preparation, might have tipped the scales in his favor. One might ponder the strategic brilliance of a fighter asked to prepare for a major bout in mere days, only to be later critiqued for not expending all his `gas` in the opening rounds. Such is the unique logic of short-notice heroism, perhaps.
Intriguingly, since their September clash, Kelly (17-1-1, 9 KOs) and Davis have shared rounds in sparring, a clear sign of mutual respect beyond the competitive arena. This amicable rivalry, however, only fuels Davis`s ambition for a definitive rematch. “It`s not personal, we`re all trying to feed our families,” Davis explains, “but when it comes to boxing, we have to do it again.” With Kelly now potentially on the cusp of an IBF world title shot against Bakhram Murtazaliev, a future rematch with Davis could carry even greater weight, offering `The Black Panther` a grand stage for his long-awaited retribution.
The Serhii Bohachuk Gauntlet: A Different Beast Entirely
The path to redemption also winds through the formidable challenge of Serhii Bohachuk. This encounter, occurring just last December, saw Davis once again filling a last-minute slot, this time replacing Israil Madrimov with only two weeks` notice. Bohachuk, boasting an intimidating 26-2 record with 24 KOs, presented a starkly different stylistic puzzle compared to Kelly. Where Kelly might “hit and move,” Bohachuk is a relentless, forward-marching force, demanding peak physical conditioning.
Davis`s reflections on this fight are particularly insightful. He acknowledges Bohachuk`s extensive preparation, training at an “elite, world level” for a championship contender like Madrimov, while Davis himself was scrambling. It`s a testament to Davis`s fighting spirit that he took the bout at all, though one might playfully suggest that perhaps `elite, world-level preparation` isn`t quite matched by `two weeks and a prayer.` “I just wasn`t prepared, and got a bit overconfident because I was outboxing him in the first round, and then got a bit too relaxed,” Davis confesses.
This moment of self-criticism, a rare glimpse into a fighter`s true assessment, reveals a competitor keenly aware of the margins for error at the highest level. Despite the emphatic sixth-round finish delivered by Bohachuk, Davis carries no regrets, only a staunch belief that a well-prepared second dance would tell an entirely different story.
The Road Ahead: Caoimhin Agyarko and Beyond
Before entertaining thoughts of settling old scores, Ishmael Davis has an immediate and pressing engagement: a highly anticipated clash with Caoimhin Agyarko. This upcoming bout, set to ignite Windsor Park in Belfast, is more than just another fight; it`s a critical stepping stone. It represents Davis`s first outing since December, a chance to reassert his dominance and build crucial momentum.
For `The Black Panther,` these desired rematches are not idle boasts. They are calculated objectives, fueled by an unwavering self-belief that with the benefit of a full training camp – the fair playing field every fighter craves – his record would paint a different picture. Ishmael Davis is not just looking to fight; he`s looking to rewrite history, one rematch at a time. And for boxing fans, the prospect of witnessing those stories unfold is undeniably compelling.
Tristan Blackwood