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Rising boxing star Mark Davies is hoping to get to the very top after recently extending his flawless professional record to seven wins.
The 26-year-old from Abertridwr told Caerphilly Observer how he’d always wanted to be a boxer, having started out in a gym in Penyrheol 13 years ago.
He said: “I was an amateur for 11 years and have been pro for the past two. I think I’m currently ranked 21st in Britain which is pretty surreal.”
Davies’ most recent win came against Ukranian fighter Anatolii Burdiian in Denmark, where the super middleweight won by unanimous decision.
Davies continued: “I got cut pretty badly during the fight so I have to wait a bit to go again, but I’ve got my eyes on a fight in March with the Welsh title then on the cards.”
He did add how he plans to drop down to middleweight in the near future.
Fight report
Mark Davies Extends Unbeaten Streak to 7-0 with Gritty Victory in Denmark
Caerphilly’s rising boxing talent Mark Davies continued his professional ascent with a hard-fought victory over Anatolli Burdiian in Denmark, taking his record to an impressive 7-0. The bout showcased Davies’ technical skills, composure, and resilience as he overcame adversity to secure a unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards.
The fight started with Davies asserting his dominance, using his long jab and excellent footwork to dictate the tempo. For the first three rounds, he boxed beautifully, keeping Burdiian at bay while landing sharp right hands and the occasional left hook to the body. Despite Burdiian’s aggressive forward pressure, Davies’ precision and movement made it difficult for his opponent to find success.
In the fourth round, however, Davies appeared to ease off slightly, allowing Burdiian to have his best moments of the fight. Burdiian increased his pressure, landing some shots inside and narrowing the gap. But any hopes of a momentum shift were short-lived as Davies regrouped in the fifth, once again boxing effectively behind his jab and using clever in-and-out movement to regain control.
Drama unfolded in the sixth and final round when both fighters threw right hands simultaneously, leading to an unfortunate clash of heads. Davies sustained a nasty cut from the collision, and moments later, a second head clash opened another wound. With blood pouring and one eye compromised, the referee called the ringside doctor to assess Davies’ condition. Despite the concerning cuts, Davies was cleared to continue.
Sensing an opportunity, Burdiian launched a relentless assault in the closing moments, hoping to force a stoppage. However, Davies’ defensive savvy and sheer determination saw him weather the storm and make it to the final bell. The judges awarded Davies a clear and well-deserved unanimous decision, a testament to his earlier dominance and ability to adapt under pressure.
Now standing at 7-0, Davies has solidified his position as a prospect to watch. Post-fight, he expressed ambitions of challenging for the Welsh title in the new year, with the possibility of moving down a weight class also under consideration.
This victory, achieved in Burdiian’s backyard and under challenging circumstances, underscores Davies’ potential as a future champion. With his technical prowess and fighting spirit, 2024 could be a breakthrough year for the talented Caerphilly fighter.
Report by Jon Scriven
One man who knows Davies as well as anyone is Jon Scriven, who runs Caerphilly Boxing Club. Speaking to Caerphilly Observer about his development, he said: “I’ve known Mark since he was about 12 – I was still boxing myself at that point.
“I was coaching and helping out, and did corner work for Mark at the Pen Aber, which is now shut, before opening my club in 2017.”
The Plaid Cymru councillor added how Davies made the switch to Caerphilly Boxing Club with him, and has been the most dedicated boxer at the gym since.
“I wouldn’t say he was the most natural talent, but he’s always been the most dedicated and hard working. Obviously he trains hard in the gym, but the running and extra work he does to keep fit outside it too.
“I’ve seen so many talented fighters fall away because they didn’t work hard enough. Fitness is everything at this level and Mark wins our hardest trainer award every year.”
Asked how far Davies can go in the sport, Jon said: “The world is his oyster. You never really know how things are going to go, and you always need a bit of luck.
“It’s still early days for him, but if he stays focused in what can be a lonely sport at times, he can go far.”
Davies recently returned to Caerphilly Boxing Club after winning his fight, something Jon said is “huge” for the club: “I didn’t even know a pro boxer growing-up, so for him to walk in here and give back to the club is huge for us.
“The kids look at him like he’s Superman, you can tell they’re punching harder when he walks in. Just by being there he’s an inspiration and probably doesn’t even know it. He’s a real role model.”
Caerphilly-born former Wales rugby international Roger Bidgood was also full of praise for Davies, who he sees most days. He said: “He’s a brilliant lad who’s so down to earth. I always come in here and see him working out or in the sauna. He’s very dedicated.
“Seeing a youngster like that is something special. I wish him all the luck in the future.”
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