Big Baby wins at Madison Square Garden, taking next step toward heavyweight title

Davis said the path to Madison Square Garden started far from New York. He and his team spent years fighting in small clubs and gymnasiums, building his record and gaining attention one victory at a time. Eventually, Zuffa Boxing reached out as it built its boxing program and signed Davis.

More than 5,000 fans attended as Davis made his debut at the historic venue.

“I'm walking out, I'm seeing 5,000 people in my face, seeing the bright lights,” Davis said. But once the fight started, the atmosphere disappeared. “At the end of the day, it’s just another fight.”

Preparing for the big stage

The preparation began well before Davis stepped into the ring.

His opponent, Romanian boxer Mihai Nistor, brought considerable experience. Davis described him as a rugged southpaw who competed in international amateur tournaments, won two world amateur titles, and entered the fight with an 8-0 professional record.

“He was a tough guy,” Davis said. “But as far as camp, it was just a lot of preparation and studying your opponent.”

Davis and his team studied Nistor’s style to prepare for his strategy. Davis said his hand speed and combinations disrupted his opponent’s plan.

Davis’ coach, Bombay Higginbottom, has trained Davis since he first started boxing at age 12 at Pearl Boxing Club.

For Davis, consistency is vital during training. His routine includes early-morning runs followed by evening gym sessions focused on jumping rope, shadowboxing, heavy-bag drills, conditioning, and sparring. He follows the program created by his coaches rather than tracking the remaining workload.

Higginbottom saw that preparation translate inside the ring. During the final weeks of training camp, Higginbottom noted that Davis’ timing, speed, and accuracy converged.

“I seen the last few weeks of his training camp where his timing was on, his speed, his accuracy,” Higginbottom said.

Before the fight, Higginbottom delivered a simple message: Stay calm and relaxed.

Davis reminded himself of the journey he and his team took to reach boxing’s premier stage. Although making his debut at the arena, he remained composure. Prior to the opening bell, he reflected on the moment.

“All right, we made it this far. If I lose now, it’s all for nothing, so I’m gonna win,” Davis recalled thinking. “And that was the end of that. All the nerves went away, and I just had to go out there and handle business.”

The fight went the full eight rounds. Although it did not end in a knockout, Davis secured the victory on all judges' scorecards.

What comes next

Following his Madison Square Garden victory, Davis is targeting a world championship fight.

He is not focusing on predicting specific opponents or looking too far ahead. Instead, he aims to remain prepared for his next opportunity.

“We're at that point in our career where phones are gonna start calling, gonna start to get bigger names,” Davis said. “So we just gotta be ready for the opportunity when it comes.”

Higginbottom said the immediate focus is continuing Davis’ development while keeping him grounded as his profile grows, emphasizing that boxing is a career path rather than his entire life.

“Stay humble, stay focused,” Higginbottom said.

Davis’ brother, Marco Porter, has watched him progress since his early days at Pearl Boxing Club. Porter said seeing Davis transition from local fights to New York has been inspiring, noting that Davis’ discipline and composure have influenced his own career.

“He pushes me and my career little do we know it or not. It's iron shopping, ironing. I'm just very grateful to have him as a brother.” 

Porter said one of the most important lessons Davis taught him is perseverance and maintaining composure under pressure.

“That guy's special. He's special, not just on the outside, but on the inside,” said Porter. “ He's just one of them people. When you got his trust, just don't break it. You know, he is unique, and that's the person that you want on your side.” 

A blueprint for young boxers

Davis’ career serve as an example for young fighters at Pearl Boxing Club.

He joined the gym at age 12, competing in 53 amateur fights, the Junior Olympics, and the National Golden Gloves before turning professional in 2022.

“The more practice you got, the better your chances are for success,” Higginbottom said.

Davis advises young boxers to prioritize practice and guidance from trainers.

“Don’t rush, can’t rush boxing. It takes years to learn how to box,” he said. “Stay with it, stay on the course and keep listening to your coaches.”

Davis emphasized patience, noting that professional careers take time to build and that fighters must master basic fundamentals before pursuing major venues.

Madison Square Garden provided Davis with a broader platform, and his focus is now on maintaining momentum.

His message to young fighters at Pearl Boxing Club is that success does not begin under bright lights, but through continuous work in the gym.

For Davis, Madison Square Garden represents a milestone rather than the ultimate destination. His next opponent will be determined soon, but until then, training continues at Pearl Boxing Club.