Royston Barney-Smith: Southampton fighter welcomes Ben Davison’s gym
Super featherweight Royston Barney-Smith says the atmosphere in trainer Ben Davison’s gym is “incredible”.
The 20-year-old from Southampton is unbeaten on 12 wins, is signed to Frank Warren’s Queensberry promotions and has been training at Davison’s gym.
As well as training Barney-Smith, Davison is currently responsible for the likes of Anthony Joshua, British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Fabio Wardley and heavyweight contender Moses Itauma, to name a few.
He has also previously worked with artists such as Tyson Fury and Billy Joe Saunders.
“The atmosphere there is incredible,” Barney-Smith told BBC Sport.
“We have Olympians, world champions and great young talent in the gym. There is a great level of coaching with Ben, Lee Wylie and Barry Smith.”
“You couldn’t ask for a better team. I think it’s one of the best in the world.”
The southpaw’s most recent fight was an impressive knockout win against Colombia’s Carlos Rayo at York Hall in London.
Barney-Smith hurt his opponent with a devastating body shot in the second round and Rayo failed to beat the count.
Barney-Smith was born in Dorset, grew up in Southampton and wants to campaign at the football club’s 32,000-capacity St Mary’s Stadium.
“I really believe that one day I can come to St. Mary’s to fight for the world title,” Barney-Smith said.
“But any arena is enough for me. To be honest, as long as my fans can be there and I have the opportunity to fight for the belt, that’s all that matters.”
