Telford boxer Liam Davies' rollercoaster year: A tale of resilience and determination
A year of challenges and setbacks has left Liam Davies, a boxer from Donnington, Shropshire, with a sense of determination and a desire for positive change in 2026. The 2025 season was a difficult one for Davies, both personally and professionally, as he faced a series of unfortunate events.
His step-mum's battle with breast cancer and the cancellation of his latest fight against Commonwealth featherweight champion Zak Miller added to the turmoil. The fight, which was set to take place in Manchester on January 24, was postponed due to an injury to the headliner, leaving Davies and his team feeling frustrated.
Despite the setbacks, Davies remains focused and optimistic. He believes that the challenges he faced in 2025 have made him stronger and more resilient. "I've just got to try and find some positivity somewhere and keep plodding on," he told the BBC. "2025 was not the best of years for me in boxing and health, but you know, what doesn't break you makes you stronger."
Davies' dedication to his craft is evident in his training regimen, which he describes as an "escape" from the challenges of life. However, the financial strain of preparing for the fight, without a guaranteed payment until after the event, has been a significant burden. "It's not about the money, but it's like going to work for nothing," he said. "I bought my house, and you rely on these fights to keep chipping away, so it's hard."
The boxer's commitment to his training has also meant missing out on festive celebrations with his loved ones. "I've been grafting over Christmas, I missed so much over Christmas, which I'm happy to do and I understand that's part of my job, but to do it and then to have the curtain shut on me 10 days out after all these people have supported me - I've had sponsors, it's a difficult one to get your head round," he added.
Despite the challenges, Davies remains determined to pursue his goal of becoming a world champion. He is set to fight for the WBA and IBF belts, which will propel him towards the top 15 and top 10 rankings with both governing bodies. "I want to work myself to world champion," he said. "Whoever's got that belt, that's my aim, and I believe that's where I'll be again. It definitely makes you more hungry."
As Davies looks ahead to 2026, he is eager to turn his rollercoaster year into a stepping stone towards success. With a rescheduled fight on March 28, he is confident that a victory will bring him closer to his ultimate goal.
