It is very sad to have to write this, but I voluntarily took another brain scan before this fight as at the start of the year when I had my routine scan, a ‘change’ was found. It was determined this wouldn’t be an issue for my boxing career at the time – unless there were subsequent ones. Here we are a short time later and it seems to have got worse, with a second ‘change’ discovered in just over 6 months.

My license has been revoked by the BBBoC until I see a neurosurgeon specialist. Obviously, I will be doing this as soon as possible to find out all the facts, but realistically, it is looking very likely that this is the end for me in active, professional competition.

I am absolutely gutted and totally heartbroken. Boxing has been my life and I have sacrificed so much to get where I am today. I really feel I was on the cusp of hitting my targets with an English Title shot within our reach this year, but perhaps it was not meant to be. Doors were starting to open for me in every sense and I felt I was really starting to get somewhere, making real progress. I have fought to even get to where I am today and I have certainly not done it the easy way. Perhaps with the medical issues at the start of my career and now these, it is a sign, if you believe in that kind of thing.

Despite saying this, seeing my daughter and living my life completely normal is more important than any title strap. With the birth of my daughter due in the next month, family and health is what matters and I simply don’t think I can take any further risks. I have to take her into consideration in regards to all decisions now, as well as the rest of my family.

Although I ultimately failed to achieve what I set out to do, I am proud of my professional career and overall record, if that is it, winning 12 out of 13 fights and the past 9 on the bounce.

I would like to thank all of my sponsors, throughout the past 3 years who have stood behind me and backed me. Local firms, run by good people, like Ma Kellys, Express Linen Services, The Nutrition Group, Appletree Finance and more and also Jaimie Fuller at SKINS who took a shot on me. I am very grateful to all of you and just sorry I couldn’t fully repay your faith by getting to where we wanted to be. A special mention to Melissa and the guys at Suzi Wong who have been an absolute pleasure to deal with, whatever the request, and have given me some great kit to treasure forever.

Also, thanks to my supporters and anyone who has bought a ticket to watch me fight, travelling all over the country, regularly selling the most on a show, allowing me to live my dream of being a fighter. It really means the world to me and again, I am sorry to have let anyone down.

For anyone who has bought a ticket for the September 1st show, full refunds will be given. Contact me for details or visit the Gym.

Thanks to my team – Neil Marsh for getting me the opportunities so quickly, Steve Easter, John Davies, Sean Thickett, Alan Levene, Chris Daniels, Mark Barker and Nick Wall for helping me prepare for fights over the years.

Finally, my dad, who has been my partner in all of this. I have enjoyed every moment of the journey with my best mate. We may not have hit the heights as planned, but we had our moments in the pro game and proved many people wrong. Thank you for always being by my side and we can look forward to more of that in the future as partners in Davies Boxing Gym.

My immediate aims now are to push the gym like never before and put my full attention into the expansion of Davies Boxing Gym. Whether this is the end for RP Davies in boxing, I cannot say for sure, but I need to take some time away whilst this is still very raw, enjoy the birth of my daughter and get all the medical facts before I make any announcements of my plans. I will always be involved with Boxing, to some extent, as it is in my blood.

Thanks to everyone for your support.

Ryan

#TeamRPD

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He meets George Rhodes Junior in the super-welterweight British challenge bout at the Hilton Hotel.

Davies said: ”It is a huge opportunity and the type that I have been asking for for a while now.”

“It is a tough fight, my hardest to date. On paper its a well matched fight and I am excited to get in the ring on fight night.”

“I know quite a bit about George. He is young and hungry, has a good amateur pedigree, comes from a good boxing family and looks like a good, talented kid.”

“He will fancy his chances that is for sure and will be looking to put right his defeat in his last fight.”

“He is coming to win and has his own ambitions so it will be a different proposition and a different kind of opponent for me, but this in itself will present its own opportunities.”

“This is why I think I will shine – the better the opposition the better I will perform.”

Davies says preparations for next month’s bout have been going to plan.

He added: “I have already enjoyed some tough sparring rounds with Ben Davies, Lloyd ‘The Viking’ Campbell and Mick Hall, with more lined up.”

“I have not made many changes but working on one or two things and also hired a nutritionalist to help ensure my food and weight is spot on.”

“I am feel as fit as I ever have and very strong.”

The Hilton Hotel promotion is a dinner show and Davies says he is expecting a packed house, with Rhodes expected to have his supporters.

Davies said: “It will be a good atmosphere and it is always good to fight in Blackpool, a town I represent every time I step in the ring.“

“Now I am just looking forward to putting in the hard work now over the next 4 weeks and doing the business come fight night.”

Also on the Hilton Hotel bill will be Preston middleweight Mick Hall, with the full line up to be finalised.

Tickets cost £65, which includes a two-course meal, with ringside VIP tickets available for £80.

Tickets are available from Davies Boxing Gym, by calling 07780962863 or emailing info@rpdboxing.com.

Source: Steve Simpson, Blackpool Gazette, 10th August 2017

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