Shabaz Masoud pulled off the bookies’ upset over Liam Davies in Birmingham on Saturday to win the IBO super bantamweight world title. Masoud’s victory makes it 3-0 in his rivalry with Davies, which dates back to the amateurs, where Masoud toppled the former IBO champion on two occasions.
In their first professional meeting, the Ben Davison-trained boxer improved to 14-0 with a split decision victory over Davies (113-115, 115-113, 116-112) in front of a raucous pro-Masoud crowd at the BP Pulse Live.
The key for the 28-year-old was the southpaw back hand, which connected cleanly on Davies’ chin all night long. Davies could not find an answer for that punch and the overall sharp skills of Masoud. Masoud built up a big lead after five rounds, and it was a mountain to climb for Davies from there. He did finish the fight strong though, managing to push the pace when Masoud was tired and land combinations up close.
One judge turned in a controversial scorecard for Davies, although Masoud still came away the deserved winner. It was a matchup that pitted Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom against Frank Warren’s Queensberry — and another Matchroom vs. Queensberry fight sits ahead in December in the same weight class, Dennis McCann vs. Peter McGrail. Masoud could likely face the McCann vs. McGrail winner in 2025.
Saturday’s undercard featured former undisputed champion Chantelle Cameron, who took a decision over Patricia Berghult, as well as former British champion Ekow Essuman, who won a majority decision over Ben Vaughan.
Catch full Davies vs. Masoud results below on Uncrowned, as well as our main card live blog.
Main Card
Super Bantamweight: Shabaz Masoud def. Liam Davies via split decision (113-115, 115-113, 116-112)
Women’s Super Lightweight: Chantelle Cameron def. Patricia Berghult via unanimous decision (99-91, 100-90, 98-92)
Welterweight: Ekow Essuman def. Ben Vaughan via majority decision (95-95, 97-94, 97-93)
Light Heavyweight: Ezra Taylor def. Kristaps Bulmeistars via first-round TKO | watch video
Welterweight: Eithan James def. Jermaine Osbourne-Edwards via unanimous decision (99-92, 99-91, 97-93)
Heavyweight: Lewis Williams def. Lamah Griggs via second-round TKO | watch video
LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER36 updates