Boxing Match Preview: Ishmael Davis (15-3-0, 6 KOs) vs. Bilal Fawa (10-1-1, 3 KOs)
Event Overview
The boxing spotlight turns to Nottingham for a stacked domestic card headlined by Leigh Wood defending his WBA featherweight title in a rematch against Josh Warrington. The undercard features a British and Commonwealth super welterweight title defense by Ishmael Davis against Bilal Fawaz, a clash of rising talents with Fawaz aiming to dethrone the champion in enemy territory. This matchup contrasts Davis’ technical precision and recent title-winning form against Fawaz’s resilient style and upset potential, following their controversial draw in January 2025. Promoted by Matchroom Boxing, the event promises high drama at the Motorpoint Arena, a venue known for its electric atmosphere in fights like Carl Froch vs. George Groves.
- Venue Location: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom. This arena holds up to 10,000 fans for boxing and offers intimate viewing, having hosted notable events like Tony Bellew vs. David Haye.
- The broadcast begins at 7:00 PM GMT (2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PST), with undercard fights starting earlier. Ringwalks for the Davis vs. Fawaz bout are expected around 9:30 PM GMT (4:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM PST), airing live on DAZN.
Injury Report
No major injuries have been reported for Ishmael Davis or Bilal Fawaz ahead of this bout. Davis was previously injured, forcing him out of a December 2024 fight against Serhii Bohachuk, but he has since recovered and fought twice without issues. Fawaz enters healthy after his majority decision win in October 2025, with no lingering effects noted.
Fighter Matchups: Ishmael Davis vs. Bilal Fawaz
This super welterweight main card bout is scheduled for 12 rounds at 154 pounds, with Davis’ British and Commonwealth titles on the line. Davis’ orthodox stance and precision could outbox Fawaz’s aggressive style, while Fawaz’s durability might force a war. Expect a tactical rematch from their January 2025 draw, with Davis aiming to use his jab to control range and Fawaz pressing for inside work. The fight has a 60% chance of going the distance, given their previous encounter.
Fighter Profiles and Recent Form
Ishmael Davis (“The Black Panther”)
- Record: 15-3-0 (6 KOs)
- Age: 30
- Height/Reach: 5’9″ / N/A
- Stance: Orthodox
- Strengths: Technical boxer; strong jab; title experience.
- Weaknesses: Vulnerable in close-range brawls; recent losses to power punchers.
Recent Form (Last 5 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Nov 15, 2025 | Sam Gilley | Win | Unanimous Decision | 12 / 5:00 |
| Oct 10, 2025 | Elliot Eboigbe | Win | Points | 6 / 5:00 |
| Sep 13, 2025 | Caoimhin Agyarko | Loss | Split Decision | 12 / 5:00 |
| Dec 21, 2024 | Serhii Bohachuk | Loss | RTD | 6 / 5:00 |
| N/A | N/A | Win | N/A | N/A |
Davis enters on a two-fight win streak, capturing British and Commonwealth titles in his latest outing.
Bilal Fawaz (“Machine”)
- Record: 10-1-1 (3 KOs)
- Age: 37
- Height/Reach: 5’11” / N/A
- Stance: Orthodox
- Strengths: Durable pressure fighter; strong inside game.
- Weaknesses: Limited knockout power; age-related decline possible.
Recent Form (Last 5 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Oct 11, 2025 | Junaid Bostan | Win | Majority Decision | 10 / 5:00 |
| Jan 31, 2025 | Junaid Bostan | Draw | Split Draw | 10 / 5:00 |
| N/A | N/A | Win | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | Win | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | Win | N/A | N/A |
Fawaz rides a six-fight unbeaten streak (5-0-1), capturing the English super welterweight title in his latest victory.
Fight History
This is a rematch from their January 31, 2025, bout, which ended in a split draw (one judge scored 96-94 for Fawaz, another 96-94 for Davis, and 95-95). Fawaz followed with a majority decision win over Junaid Bostan in October 2025, while Davis captured titles. No other shared history, but their first fight showcased Fawaz’s pressure testing Davis’ technique.
Betting Trends
In super welterweight bouts from 2025-2026, favorites have won 65-70% of non-title fights, with moderate favorites like Davis (-225) cashing at 70% but moderate value. Over 10.5 rounds hits ~55% in technical clashes, as decisions common (45% outcomes) when range is controlled. Knockouts account for 40% of finishes, favoring Fawaz’s pressure but unders better in rematches. Broader trends: Underdogs in undercard title fights upset 30%; public money on Davis (75% handle), potentially softening his line. Avoid “boxing math”—focus on Davis’ precision vs. Fawaz’s durability.
FIGHT ODDS
Ishmael Davis – 225
Bilal Fawa + 185
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 20, 2026
