Liam Davies Returns to Support Cancer-Stricken Stepmom
Liam Davies will contest the vacant European featherweight title against Francesco Grandelli. The fight takes place at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on Saturday night. It will air on DAZN at 5 p.m. GMT.
Late opponent change
Davies was originally due to face Zak Miller. Miller withdrew with an injury after an earlier postponement. Promoter Johnson informed Davies of the cancellation and later confirmed Grandelli as the replacement.
The new matchup lands on the undercard of the heavyweight bout between Moses Itauma and Jermaine Franklin. Davies will enter the ring after roughly 11 months out of action.
Fighter profiles and records
| Fighter | Record | KOs |
|---|---|---|
| Liam Davies | 17-1 | 8 |
| Francesco Grandelli | 21-4-2 | 6 |
Personal challenges outside the ring
The 29-year-old from Telford has faced difficult months away from boxing. His stepmother, Liza, has been diagnosed with cancer for a second time. Davies returned to support his cancer-stricken stepmom and helped raise funds for treatment in Germany.
He says local sponsors have provided vital financial backing during gaps between fights. Davies used their support to cover living costs while fights were scarce.
Recent form and background
Davies lost his unbeaten record to Shabaz Masoud in November 2024. He has fought once since then, beating former Olympian Kurt Walker in a straightforward comeback win.
Previously, in November 2023, he defended a European junior-featherweight title in Manchester against Vincenzo La Femina. That contest featured heavy action and Davies emerged victorious.
How Grandelli fits into the picture
Grandelli is a seasoned opponent who challenged at a high level in 2024. He suffered narrow defeats to Nathaniel Collins and Cristobal Lorente that year. Both Collins and Lorente now head toward a final eliminator on April 17.
That eliminator will determine a challenger for Bruce Carrington’s WBC featherweight title. Grandelli’s recent results show he can push top fighters and test Davies.
Ambitions and possible routes to a world title
Davies views the European title as a direct path toward world contention. He is already ranked inside the top 15 by all four major sanctioning bodies. Targets include IBF champion Angelo Leo and WBO titleholder Rafael Espinoza.
Domestic options also appeal. Nick Ball lost the WBA featherweight belt to Brandon Figueroa in February. Ball is currently on holiday but could return to contention. A high-profile British matchup would interest Davies, and he expects commensurate payment.
Mindset for the fight
Davies says he has focused on training and has sharpened his preparation. He plans to be patient and controlled, while using pressure to break opponents down. A win on a major platform would boost his path toward top-level contests.
Filmogaz.com conducted the interview in which Davies discussed the opponent change and his family situation.
