Unbeaten Prospect Praises ‘Unbelievable’ Atmosphere in Ben Davison’s Gym

Unbeaten super-featherweight prospect Royston Barney-Smith (12-0, 6 KOs) has fast been making a name for himself on the Queensberry Promotions shows under the tutelage of Ben Davison. The Poole native has spoken to BBC Sport about the atmosphere at the gym and what football ground he wants to fight at for a world title.

Royston Barney-Smith: Training with Champions in Davison’s Gym

Barney-Smith Targets World Title Shot at St Mary’s Stadium

The unbeaten 20-year-old fights out of Ben Davison’s gym with Lee Wylie and Barry Smith. He is signed to Queensberry Promotions and Frank Warren has been progressing the exciting talent at a good rate, with him defeating Brian Barajas and Carlos Rayo in his last two fights.

Barney-Smith is clearly in safe hands with Davison, Smith and Wylie, with the Ben Davison Performance Centre currently training a plethora of talented fighters including Fabio Wardley and Moses Itauma. Speaking to BBC Sport, the 20-year-old was full of praise for the Performance Centre and said: “The atmosphere in there is unbelievable.”  He continued: “We have Olympians, world champions and great prospects in the gym. There is a great level of coaching with Ben, Lee Wylie and Barry Smith.”

The undefeated prospect added: “You couldn’t wish for a better team. I believe it’s one of the best in the world.”

The Poole native has high hopes of reaching the top of the boxing pyramid and would love to fight for a world title at the 32,000 capacity St Mary’s Stadium, which is home to Southampton FC: “I do really believe that one day I can get into St Mary’s for a world title fight,” Barney-Smith said.

He added: “But any arena will do me. To be honest, as long as my fans can be there and I have an opportunity to fight for a belt, that is all that matters.”

Frank Warren Praises Barney-Smith

Frank Warren has heaped praise on the potential of the Southampton fighter: “He’s still maturing and got to gain what we call ‘man strength’,” Warren told BBC Sport.

He continued: “But the moves he’s got and the boxing knowledge he is gaining is fabulous and Ben is doing a great job with him.”

Talking about his clear potential, Warren said: “As he gets stronger he’s going to get better and he will be handful for anybody. I like his composure in the ring and he listens.”

Warren added: “Between all of us we’re a good team and as far as Hampshire is concerned they’re going to have a big star in the future.”