Carl Iron Fist Davis, Brizel’s Cruiserweight, Makes A Comeback, Wins By Kayo at Age 44
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
Former United States Boxing Organization Cruiserweight champion Carl ‘Iron Fist’ Davis won a successful comeback at age 44 on December 2, 2018, at Carnivore Grounds, in Nairobi, Kenya, with a third-round stoppage of Mbaruku Kheri.
The more experienced Davis, now 17-7 with 13 knockouts, Evanston, Illinois, had Kheri, 16-10 with 14 knockouts, Das-Es-Salaam, Tanzania, a late sub, in serious trouble throughout the contest. However, Davis described him as a strong fighter. Davis was advised by this reporter for his wins over former World Cruiserweight champion King Arthur Williams, and former heavyweight contender Bert Cooper, Davis’ last victory before this comeback. The Kheri bout in Kenya was fought at heavyweight. Davis could make an attempt to regain his USBO Cruiserweight title, which has remained vacant since he won it in Chicago in 2010.
The Davis card in Kenya featured eight pro bouts, including Fatuma Zarika winning the WBC Female World Super Bantamweight title, Anisha Bashir winning the African Boxing Union Female Super Featherweight title, and 29-11 Kenyan welterweight veteran James Onyango winning his first 12 round decision. The WBC world titular bout on the Davis Kenyan card insured the results of the card would eventually be officially recognized. BoxRec did not post the official results of this fight card for nearly two months.
Result: Carl Davis TKO 3 Mbaruku Kheri, Heavyweights
Referee: Francis Olando
Robert Brizel: “Iron Fist, glad to see you got your discipline back on track.”
Carl Davis: “It was a beautiful experience (winning my comeback), and thank you.”
Robert Brizel: Victory over yourself is the toughest fight of all.”
Carl Davis: “I have a lot I want to share, yes.”
Robert Brizel: “I would like to see you regain the USBO Cruiserweight title.”
Carl Davis: “Yes (I want it) even more. I fought at heavy(weight) this past fight weighing 205 (pounds).”
Robert Brizel: “That’s a very good weight for you, Carl.”
Carl Davis: “Yes. “
Robert Brizel: “Iron Fist, why did you decide to (make a) comeback at 44?”
Carl Davis: “I didn’t feel I accomplished all that I could as an athlete.”
Robert Brizel: “How did the Nigeria bout (where your comeback took place) come about? What’s your connection to the country, Carl?”
Carl Davis: “No connection. I was offered a fight by a promoter, because he heard I was training hard and looking for an opportunity.”
Robert Brizel: “Carl, what was different about your training for this bout versus the past? How did you invigorate your direction and soul (restart your boxing career), and get your boxing game back on track?”
Carl Davis: “A lot of shadow boxing and cardio plus film.”
Robert Brizel: “What kind of mental and physical preparation did you do with trainer Sam Colonna to prepare yourself for this challenge?”
Carl Davis: “Mental training. Fighting my inner demons, and focusing on my craft by watching old fighters like Ezzard Charles and Jersey Joe Walcott.”
Robert Brizel: “How long were you in Nigeria before the bout?”
Carl Davis: “Five days.”
Robert Brizel: “You went into the ring (came back against Mussa) Ajibu, a hot and cold 28 wins fighter. What was he like after the bell rang? How did you fight him? What was your game plan, and did you have to make any adjustments?”
Carl Davis: “No game plan, actually. When I landed, they told me they needed to substitute my opponent (I fought someone other than Ajibu). I didn’t fight Ajibu, but I was ready for anybody. I can’t spell his name (the guy I fought), but he was a lot stronger and more experienced. The WBC was there, and was impressed I put myself in a good position (make a good accounting of myself).”
Robert Brizel: “Would you like to get down to 200 pounds and fight for your USBO cruiserweight belt again?”
Carl Davis: “Make it happen!!”
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