Late injury scare in the Elite for Liam Davies
Shropshire's Liam Davies will have to overcome a late injury scare to take his place at finals weekend in the England Elite Championships.
The 20-year-old, who represents his Dad Tristan's Donnington Boxing Club, is gunning for 52kg glory at the Echo Arena in Liverpool,
The quarters, semis and final will be staged day-to-day from Friday to Sunday with old rival Muhammad Ali, from Bury, seeded at the weight.
But Davies has been nursing a hand problem, with bruised knuckles affecting his training since the area final.
He hurt himself during his unanimous points victory over Sam Holt two weeks ago, but is hopeful of healing in time.
Top sparring with fellow West Midlands Elite hopefuls Galal Yafai and Jack Wood is already in the bag, so he's considered fighting fit.
And his father is confident he will push on and shut out the pain when he's called into action, with the four 52kg boxers paired through a computerised draw.
Tristan said: "There won't be any excuses, either Liam steps up to the plate or he will have to wait another year for the Elite to come round again.
"He has to fight, really, and he will be well up for it. It's not been ideal preparation, as he's not been able to go on the pads much because of his hand.
"I am sure he will be fine, he's a tough lad and has the experience to get through it. He's worked hard and this could be his year.
"Where the title goes might come down to the luck of the draw. Hopefully, Liam and Ali will be kept apart and we will meet him in the final.
"On his day, I know Liam can beat him, he has before. Saying that, he's also lost him to twice. It's down to who performs."
