Shropshire’s Liam Davies has been rightfully crowned the European super bantamweight title after beating Romania’s Ionut Baluta on a unanimous points decision in his hometown of Telford.
The 26-year-old went the distance again by adding the European title to the British crown he won in June.
He was a clear winner on the judges’ scorecards at the Telford International Center – 116-112, 118-110 and 117-111.
“I did what I had to do,” Davies told BBC Radio Shropshire.
“I conquered Britain and now I have also conquered Europe.
“It was a tough fight against a tough guy who is one of the best in Europe. He is very tough-headed.
“But it was a great night which will now be a memory for life. It means so much that so many people came out to support me.
“It’s a difficult time at the moment for a lot of people and what more could I ask for than the way people showed up at the end of November, as Christmas approached. It created a fantastic atmosphere.”
The last boxer from Shropshire to win the European belt, Richie Woodhall, at middleweight level, was part of the TV commentary team in the ring.
Davies is managed by Frank Warren, who helped Woodhall win the WBC world super middleweight crown in 1998, and now hopes to take the same step to world glory.
“I’m ready for anything,” he said. “If a world title chance arises, I’m ready to take it. I’ll meet Frank and the boys next week to see what happens.
“But first I’m off to the caravan in Aberystwyth for a few days by the sea.
“I’ll be going there with my fiancée and the dogs for a week of fish and chips, and sitting by the fire watching TV.”
