Liam Walsh: Time is perfect to beat Gervonta Davis, become world champion

As IBF junior lightweight Gervonta Davis (17-0, 16 KOs) prepares to make the first defense of his title on May 20, British challenger Liam Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs) is relishing the opportunity to finally get a shot at a world title after a car crash in 2012 forced him out of a WBO title fight with Ricky Burns.

"I'm now fighting 'the man' in World boxing, or so they say," said Walsh. "It has been a hard journey to get myself back in place for another World Title shot. There was times when I thought to myself 'is it ever going to happen?'.

Walsh, 30, mentions that the determination to bounce back from repeated set backs is what makes champions, and that he is made up of the same quality and is willing to push through to realize his dreams of becoming a world titlist — even if it took longer than he had originally hoped.

"The wait has definitely been worth it. I feel I sometimes box within myself because of the opponents that have been put in front of me but I know I'm ready for this World Title shot. This is perfect timing for me."

Walsh and Davis will clash next month at the Copper Box Arena in London, with light heavyweight Anthony Yarde and Chris Hobbs being featured on the undercard.