A sit down with Beast Boy
Cairo-Durham High graduate Mike ‘Beast Boy’ Davis remained unbeaten in Mixed Martial Arts competition over the weekend with an impressive first-round knockout of Channin Williams at Island Fights 41 in Pensacola, Florida.
Davis is now 3-0 in MMA action and is also 3-0 in professional boxing. The former South Cairo resident, now living in Deltona, Florida, took time out of his busy schedule to touch base with Columbia-Greene Media.
Q: You’re coming off an impressive showing against Channin Williams at Island Fights 41. Take us through that fight.
MD: What an experience! Island Fights put on a crazy show. Nine fights on the card, of which I was the co-main event. Channin ”The Cannon” Williams, a decorated, multi-title belt holder as an amateur, with only one defeat and he was 2-1 as a professional going into the fight against me. I didn’t look at his fights, I didn’t ask about him. Yes, I was told he’s a grappler and likes to get people down to ground and pound, but I didn’t want to change my fighting style to accommodate his — that would give him an advantage. There was no game plan. I train with UFC, Glory, Bellator and One FC fighters all the time. Heavy guys, two-to-three weight classes above my own and to be hit fully by them makes any featherweight attack feel like playing patty cake. I threw a leading elbow followed with a right hand that stunned him into the ropes. Realizing he was hurt, Williams shot in for a takedown. I sprawled on his takedown attempt and took his back delivering five shots, three of which connected and turned off the lights.
Q: You have three fights in your pro career in MMA and three in professional boxing. Do you have a preference or are you leaning toward doing one over the other?
MD: I am hoping to continue both sports. A goal of mine was to become the first simultaneous title holder in the biggest (current) organization of each sport.
Q: You’re always in tip-top condition. Take us through one of your typical training sessions.
MD: My training camps are vigorous and, honestly, sometimes I push too hard. I sometimes cry while I’m training because of what I’m driven by and I just keep pushing and pushing. Every morning of my camp, I wake up early and go to LA Fitness, where I do 26 miles of work. Sort of a triathlon, every day. Then, at night, you’ll find me over at Pete White Boxing and MMA where I do 10 warm up rounds, 10 pad rounds and 10 grappling rounds. Sometimes I grapple or wrestle for 30-40 minutes straight without water or a break. I train harder than anyone ever will and that’s why I will be champion of the world. I just will.
Q: Your coach, Pete White, and you have an excellent relationship. How much has he meant to you during the early stages of your pro career?
MD: Pete has become a father figure to me. We go out, hang out, he invites me to family happenings, birthdays, holidays, as if I were his son. I owe him the world and it’s like he doesn’t even want it. He was a stranger three years ago. Just think about that. Crazy!
Q: You fought Channin Williams as a featherweight (145 pounds). Is that your optimum weight or do you see yourself moving up?
MD: When I fought Richie Dehnz (the No. 1 ranked amateur featherweight), I cut to 147. Unfortunately, I missed weight in my first attempt at 145. However, in this cut to 145, I felt great. I swam 50 laps in the pool the day of weigh-ins. I felt ready. I started at 150 pounds Friday morning and got to 146 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. One more trip in the sauna and I would have made championship weight of 145 flat. So it is getting easier and easier. Featherweight, this is my weight class and I am king here.
Q: UFC seems to be the holy grail of combat sports. Is that your goal and, if so, what will it take to get there?
MD: UFC is my goal. I am only a fight or two away and after that performance, I might even be closer than that. From here forth I have to stay ready ... just in case, and that excites me!
Q: Talk to me about your strengths in the Octagon and some things you feel you might have to work on.
MD: I am a Mixed Martial Arts fighter and I believe in balance, therefore, I work to complete my growth as efficient as possible. Nothing gets better than the other — 25 percent mind, 25 percent grappling, 25 percent striking, 25 percent defense. There are no weaknesses in the levels I aim to achieve. When someone gets in the Octagon with me, I will win no matter where it goes.
Q: Any chance you’ll be fighting closer to home in New York any time soon?
MD: As I see it now, in order for me to fight in New York, I must get into the UFC. Otherwise, it’s a low chance of me entertaining my home state.
Q: What about your goals? What are you hoping to accomplish?
MD: In a year, I better be in the UFC (laughs). I’m signed with a great promotion who will help me get there. In one year time, I hope to be able to just train and fight. Make fighting my number one priority. I plan to have helped my family in little or big ways, and make a good name for myself in the martial arts community. I believe in my path and I must keep trekking along.
