Home Boxing Interviews Ringnews24 Interview: Welsh prospect Zack Davies

Ringnews24 Interview: Welsh prospect Zack Davies

Photo Credit: Ringnews24

A successful amateur at Welsh, British and International level and competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014.

2015 saw the boxer from West Wales turn professional and rack-up five straight wins, including beating Alexander Saltykov at the VTB Arena, Moscow, Russia, on the undercard of Roy Jones Jr vs Enzo Maccarinelli in December, 2015.
I spoke to 24-year-old Zack at his trainer Gary Lockett’s gym in Cardiff.

Ringnews24.com: How did you first get into boxing?

I got into boxing, my brother started first, he’s a bit older than me. My father and grandfather boxed and my uncles, so just a path I grew into. I started when I was eleven years old. That was in Towy ABC, which was based in Ammanford, I was there for about three years. Then I went to Cwmgors, with trainer Ronnie Morris, I was there for six or seven years. Then my last year I went to Penyrheol ABC, just for a season.

Ringnews24.com: Why did you decide to turn professional?

I did a lot as an amateur, I went to the Commonwealth Games. I think the Olympics was out of reach for me. There was nothing left in the amateurs that I wanted to achieve, so I turned pro.

Ringnews24.com: Difference between amateur and professional boxing?

A lot different. As an amateur I was fighting at the top level, all the time, and now fighting journeymen, I find it really tough cos you can’t just blast them away. It’s a learning curve as I’ve only had a few fights.
I’ve been with Gary Lockett just over a year now. Had my debut just over a year ago.

Ringnews24.com: How would you describe your fighting style?

Orthodox, come forward fighter but can box a bit as well. I hit quite hard and if I was fighting at Super featherweight I’d be hitting hard, as I’ve fought heavier opponents for years.

Ringnews24.com: How do you feel you’ve progressed as a professional?

Coming on good. I’ve had five fights now. My first two fights were four rounders, the last three have been six rounders. My last one was stopped in the fourth round, it was out in Russia against a very good journeyman. He had a few wins and he was tough, so I feel it’s all progressing really good.

Ringnews24 What was it like being on the Enzo Maccarinelli vs Roy Jones Jr undercard?

Being in the ring when Enzo was getting announced, with Roy Jones Jr opposite you was unreal. I’d grown up watching Roy Jones, had a picture with him. Obviously, cheering Enzo but wasn’t nice seeing Roy getting knocked-out like that. Someone so good in his day.

Ringnews24.com: Who are you promoted by?

Promoted by Frank Warren. I’ve had three fights under him now.

Ringnews24.com: When can we expect to see you next?

Possibly, March 25th in York Hall. That’s in the pipeline but not confirmed yet. So, four weeks away.

Ringnews24.com: What division will you be fighting in?

I’ve been fighting as a light welterweight, as an amateur, for years. Gary (Lockett) thinks I could make super-featherweight (9 stone 4lbs). My last fight was 9 stone 9lbs and I done that alright, the day before the weigh-in.
I think I’ll do lightweight comfortably but if he thinks I’ll do it then I’ll give it a go.

Ringnews24.com: How far away are you from a Welsh title fight?

I’m not sure. Gary’s aiming for me to be going for a title on my tenth fight. So, not far away really.

Ringnews24.com: A message for the fans?

If anyone would like to follow me on twitter @ZDAVIE5 Keep following me and thank you for the support.