Royston Barney-Smith Praises Ben Davison’s Gym as World-Class

Super-featherweight Royston Barney-Smith, a 20-year-old from Southampton, has described the atmosphere within trainer Ben Davison’s gym as “unbelievable.” Barney-Smith remains undefeated in his professional career, having secured 12 victories, and is signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry promotions. Davison’s current roster of athletes includes Barney-Smith, Anthony Joshua, British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley, and heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma, among others. Davison has also previously collaborated with notable fighters such as Tyson Fury and Billy Joe Saunders. “The atmosphere in there is unbelievable,” Barney-Smith conveyed to BBC Sport. “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.” He added, “You couldn’t wish for a better team. I believe it’s one of the best in the world.” The southpaw boxer’s most recent contest resulted in a decisive knockout win against Colombian Carlos Rayo at York Hall in London. Barney-Smith delivered a powerful body shot in the second round, which incapacitated his opponent, preventing Rayo from answering the count. Barney-Smith, who was born in Dorset and raised in Southampton, has expressed a desire to compete at the 32,000-capacity St Mary’s Stadium, home to the local football club. “I do really believe that one day I can get into St Mary’s for a world title fight,” Barney-Smith stated. He further remarked, “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.” Among the fighters currently under Ben Davison’s tutelage are Anthony Joshua, Fabio Wardley, and Moses Itauma. Promoter Frank Warren continues to express admiration for Barney-Smith, one of the newest talents emerging from his stable. Since joining Queensberry, Barney-Smith has had the opportunity to compete at major venues across the country, including Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. “He’s still maturing and got to gain what we call ‘man strength’,” Warren informed 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.” Warren anticipates, “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.” He concluded, “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.” Warren has indicated his interest in staging a Queensberry event on the south coast, noting that fellow Hampshire boxers Ryan Garner and Mark Chamberlain have also achieved victories at his promotions. Garner, from Southampton, most recently fought at the O2 Arena, where he defeated Londoner Archie Sharp to successfully defend his WBC International title. Lightweight Chamberlain experienced his first career defeat over the summer, losing to Josh Padley at Wembley on the undercard of the Daniel Dubois v Anthony Joshua bout. “We’re going to announce that (show on the south coast) we hope soon,” Warren further stated. He added, “My office have been speaking to a venue down there so fingers crossed we can get the dates pencilled in soon.” Warren envisions the event as “the best of Hampshire, all those really good quality young fighters on a card down there, that would be something special.”