Unbeaten Hackney fighter snatches English title in style
Ohara Davies (gold shorts) defeats Andy Keates to win the English lightweight title at the O2 Arena. Pic: Philip Sharkey/TGS Photo - Credit: Philip Sharkey/TGS Photo
Homerton lightweight Ohara ‘Two Tanks’ Davies knocked out Andy Keates to claim the English championship at the O2 Arena on Saturday.
The 24-year-old, who had stated before the fight that Keates would be his easiest opponent, secured the vacant title by stopping him 31 seconds into the fourth round.
Now Davies, who extended his unbeaten record to 11 fights – including nine knockouts – is keen to take on either British champion Scott Cardle or the latter’s recent opponent Sean Dodd.
“I’ve worked hard and I have so much confidence in my ability. Having sparred most of the top domestic boxers at my weight I could beat them all,” Davies told the Gazette.
“I would like to fight for the British title next against Cardle – or, if he won’t fight me, what about defending this belt against Dodd? I wouldn’t mind fighting him.”
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Keates appeared to be fired up by the Hackney man’s pre-fight comments as he came out flying at the start, backing Davies up against the ropes and throwing a series of southpaw right jabs.
But he soon felt the power of Davies, who used his long reach to land left jabs to his opponent’s body before switching to the head with a string of right hooks.
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In the third round, a clash of heads opened up a cut over the right eye of Keates and a doctor was called into the ring, but he allowed the fight to continue – although not for long.
Davies unleashed a left hook and a right to the body at the start of the fourth, sending Keates crashing to the deck and he never looked likely to beat the count of referee Robert Williams.
