IN this game – a game that has become increasingly comfortable with showbiz trappings – there are showmen and then there’s Omar Davis.
You think Jermaine Osbourne-Edwards entrances, with the man wearing a war bonnet and followed by banner wavers and drum beaters, is dramatic?
You think Dylan Cheema’s colourful ring walks are pure carnival?
Cop some of “0 the Pro” Davis’ schtick? What the 29-year-old brings to fight night is pure theatre.
He’s disco danced to the ring, he’s dressed as Hannibal Lectar, he’s donned the guise of an ancient kung fu grandmaster.
It can only be a matter of time before the super-middle, from Birmingham but now living in Walsall, glides onto the canvas on a magic carpet.
Actually, scrub that – it’s been done before and Omar is always out to provide something unique.
On Saturday, at Birmingham Airport’s Holiday Inn, Davis – taking part in his first six rounder – plans “something special”, though details are being kept under wraps.
“I just want everyone to get their phones ready,” the muscled fighter laughed. “They need to be ready. If someone asks you what Omar Davis has planned, tell them he plans to steal the show.
“People buying tickets is very important to me, I love putting on a show for the fans.”
In truth, Omar’s over-the-top entrances have become a little like boxing Marmite. Some seasoned fight figures shake their heads and mutter: “What’s the game come to?”
The majority simply can’t get enough. Those ring walks are an event in their own right, a spectacle.
I look forward to them. I’d rather have his tongue-in-cheek performances than witness two fighters glower, shove each other and fake feuds: that, too, is showbiz.
And the antics should not over-shadow one very important point – Davis can fight, he has lightning reflexes and hits with venom.
Unbeaten in four, the Eastside gym boxer is already closing in on a Midlands title and good judges are tipping him to make a significant impact. That brings a degree of pressure.
“I can’t wait,” he said of Saturday’s bill. “I want to show the things we’ve been working on. I work full time, it’s not easy to put in the gym time, but this is the most I’ve been in the gym for a fight.”
Omar stressed that despite the mounting expectation on his broad shoulders, he’s simply enjoying the ride.
“There is no pressure,” he said. “Although I believe I can do really well in the sport, I feel I have nothing to lose at the same time. I’m so confident, pressure doesn’t enter my mind at this level.
“Honestly, there are guys I see at world level who I believe I can beat Monday to Sunday. But I know I have to get the bouts in, get the days in the gym in to get those opportunities.”
He added: “There are no limits to where I can reach. I know I have the power.”
Omar also has the personality and a keen eye for production values – Saturday will show that.
