Josh Kelly v Ishmael Davis - Tale of the Tape: Weight, height, reach, trainer & professional boxing records

We analyse the credentials and statistics of Josh Kelly and Ishmael Davis as the super-welterweight rivals get set to collide in London as part of the huge Riyadh Season London bill of boxing.

The disappointment of Liam Smith’s recent withdrawal has been compensated by Ishmael Davis stepping in to face Josh Kelly this coming Saturday night at Wembley Stadium.

The British star now has the problem of disregarding everything he studied and knew about Smith and placing his focus on a short notice replacement who could cause the type of upset that would send Kelly’s career into freefall.

The big question is will he?

Before we find out the answer to that, it's time to take a look at the 'Tale of the Tape'...

Josh Kelly v Ishmael Davis
Tale of the Tape

	Josh Kelly	Ishmael Davis
Age:	30	29
Nickname:	'Pretty Boy'	'The Black Panther'
Height:	5ft 10ins	N/A
Reach:	72ins	N/A
Weight:	Super-welterweight	Super-welterweight
Trainer:	Adam Booth	Keith Walton
Record:	15-1-1 (8 KOs)	13-0 (6 KOs)
Last Fight:	Won - (KO) v Placido Ramirez (December 2023)	Won - (UD) v Troy Williamson (March 2024)

Josh Kelly
In Profile

It may have been over three years ago but the crushing defeat to David Avanesyan still forms a piece of Josh Kelly’s story going into every fight.

That may explain the six opponents that he has faced since that night at Wembley Arena.

From Peter Kramer to Placido Ramirez the half dozen have been largely made to measure for someone of Kelly’s abilities. But let’s not forget that the way he outclassed Troy Williamson to become British champion in 2022.

Again, in hindsight you could argue that the former champion was an ideal foe for Kelly to look good against. Regardless, the 30-year-old is ranked two and five with the WBO and IBF, respectively.

Kelly has the tools to become a world champion but the proof in the pudding will only come against the best in the world.

Ishmael Davis is not at that level but he is an unbeaten rising star who is full of belief and a potential banana skin.

At Wembley Stadium Kelly must show why he is highly ranked, why he is highly regarded and why he is a potential world champion.

Anything else will leave more question marks hanging over his head.

Strengths:	Weaknesses:
Fast hands	Punch power
Reflexes	Occasionally starts slow
Combination punches	Struggles to close a fight
Left hook	Complacency

Ishmael Davis
In Profile

Former world flyweight champion Sunny Edwards described Ishmael Davis as one of boxing’s best kept secrets.

A tag like that can be removed once the fighter receives an opportunity to shine, and Davis did just that against Troy Williamson last time out.

His 12-round points win showed he belong near the top of the British scene at 154lbs.

Despite Williamson going in with a five pound weight advantage - after failing to make the limit - Davis controlled the former British champion early on and toughed it out late on.

At short notice ‘The Black Panther’ is daring to be great and a bit of a Marvel at Wembley Stadium on a Saturday.

He has nothing to lose, he is the underdog and regardless of the result his upward trajectory will likely continue.

Davis rolls with the punches in life but crucially stays ready in the gym in case the phone rings.

The call for September 21 was a no-brainer, and don’t be surprised if the 29-year-old cause an upset against the odd-on favourite.

Strengths:	Weaknesses:
Jab	Power
Reactions	Experience
Footwork	Lack of combination punching
Short, sharp shots	Stamina