Mexican junior welterweight Gabriel Valenzuela has been inspired by his countryman Mauricio Lara's big win Engloand, and wants to do the same by knocking out Robbie Davies Jr when the pair meet at The SSE Arena, Wembley this Saturday, February 20th, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and elsewhere. Valenzuela (22-2-1, 13 KOs) arrives in London in what is his second fight outside of his native Mexico, boxing to what he labels as a "controversial draw" in Canada back in 2018. Based on his previous experience on away soil,  the 26 year-old from Guadalajara is determined not to leave the fight in the judges’ hands.  “The fight between Mauricio Lara and Josh Warrington was amazing [Lara won by KO, brutally punishing the local hero Warrington],” said Valenzuela. “It was a great night. We were all watching back in Mexico. I want to get the stoppage in this fight like Mauricio did!"

  

Valenzuela continued, “I’ve watched videos of Robbie Davies Jr, I know he’s strong and fast but I have been preparing hard for this and I am here to win. We are aware of some of the questionable decisions from the judges in the UK recently. I don’t want to let this fight go to the judges, I’m coming for the knockout. I like to counter-punch and feint which encourages my opponent to throw, I can then land my big shots. I have the chance here to surprise the British public, they don’t really know who they are getting but they will after Saturday. A win will mean everything to me. I’m here on a mission which will be the beginning of even greater things in my career. I would like to reserve any predictions but you can certainly expect an excellent fight.”

 

Davies Jr vs. Valenzuela is part of a Matchroom show with European welterweight champion David Avanesyan (26-3-1, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited title defense against Josh Kelly (10-0-1, 6 KOs) at the top of the bill.