Newcastle - Ishmael Davis put in something of a breakout performance to bust up and stop Ewan McKenzie in their English super welterweight eliminator.

Davis (12-0, 6 KO’s) is a switch hitter but the calm, compact fighter from Leeds chose to start out by matching McKenzie’s southpaw stance and bust the local fighter’s nose with a sharp accurate jab. 

McKenzie (8-1, 3 KO’s) was the taller man but began to look frail and upright as a confident looking Davis stayed right in front of him, countering with hard shots.

McKenzie came out for the second round popping out  rapid jab but his work had a frantic look to it. Davis was totally unfazed by the shots coming back his way , planting himself in front of McKenzie and picking him apart with clever counter punches and body punches. 

McKenzie began to find a rhythm in round three, firing out that jab and finally bending his knees and employing some head movement. The tactic made it harder for Davis to find his counter punches. McKenzie was paying a high price for his success but at least had a foothold in the fight.

McKenzie pure his heart into round five. Blood poured from his nose and he picked up some damage around his left eye. A casual looking Davis allowed himself to be outworked but still managed to pick some short, stabbing punches to the body seemingly aware that McKenzie’s gas tank was rapidly emptying.

Davis felt something weaken in McKenzie in round five. A right hook forced McKenzie back into the ropes and Davis committed to a sustained attack. He looked to be on the verge of a stoppage victory but McKenzie was given a reprieve when the action was stopped and Davis warned for landing a punch to the kidney area. McKenzie rallied after the break but looked open as the round finished.

The fight became a battle between Davis’ poor and precision and McKenzie’s heart and work rate. McKenzie’s heart never gave out but he inevitably tired and the slower pace suited Davis. He began to use that jab again and found some hurtful looking uppercuts and eventually, McKenzie’s corner decided to end his ordeal, throwing in the towel after 2.44 of round eight.

Davis showed plenty of potential and looked ready for a higher level of competition.