UNBEATEN Kody Davies has admitted that he would never have boxed at light-heavyweight as a professional if he had known making the super-middleweight limit was “this easy”.

Pontllanfraith’s Davies (10-0) returns to York Hall on Saturday night to face Umar Sadiq (9-1) in what is now an eliminator for the British super-middleweight crown, currently held by Lerrone Richards.

The Welshman’s last fight, also at the famous Bethnal Green venue, saw him get off the canvas to outpoint previously undefeated Zak Chelli in a British light-heavyweight title eliminator.

But it now appears that 25-year-old Davies has bid farewell to life at 175lbs, with the former GB Boxing amateur “in the best shape” seven pounds lighter.

“If I knew super-middleweight would be this easy to make when I turned pro, I would never have boxed at light-heavy in the first place,” he said.

“I can tell you I am in the best shape, both physically and mentally.”

Davies and Essex-based Sadiq, whose only loss to date came against Chelli, have expressed their respect for each other for taking the fight, which wasn’t originally an eliminator.

And while some at the same stage of their careers as Davies may have steered clear of an opponent like Sadiq, the man himself has had no second thoughts about accepting the bout.

“Respect to Umar for taking this fight,” said Davies.

“People say you don't have to take this fight or that, but the reality is for me I have got to take these fights because it is my life.

“It is my job, not a hobby, it is what I do, and it is in my blood.

“Anything that will progress my career I will take with both hands, simple as that.”

Sadiq added: “I am really happy and appreciative of Kody's team for taking this fight because a lot wouldn't and when they took it, it wasn't even an eliminator.

“It has been very hard for me to get matched since losing to Zak so I am really happy and on Saturday night the fans are in for a great show. I am confident I am going to stop him.

“I didn't see my loss to Zak as a setback and I'd rather lose early in my career than later.

“I have had six fights since and have backed myself because I know where I am going and I know my capabilities.

“I have stopped five out the last six fighters I have boxed, although they were not fighters with winning records, but the result is I am doing what I am supposed to do.

“I am now back to where I should have been a year ago and I am looking forward to this fight.”

Promoter Francis Warren has also given credit to the two men for stepping up to the plate.

“I rate the Umar-Kody fight highly and it has been given official eliminator status by the Board towards the British title currently held by Lerrone Richards,” he said.

“These two guys didn't have to take it and a lot of fighters in their positions would have taken an eight-rounder to keep ticking along.

“They want to show who the best in the stable is and this is the way to prove it.”