Shabaz Masoud has paid tribute to his team after becoming the IBO super bantamweight champion in a split decision victory over Liam Davies in Birmingham.

Masoud has three wins and no defeats against Davies after beating the Telford native twice in the junior ranks.

“Everyone doubted me for years,” Masoud told TNT Sports after the fight.

“Praise be to Allah. This is my moment, Liam had his moment. I respect him, he’s a great fighter and I respect him as a fighter.

“That’s boxing for you. The last day was his day, today is mine.”

Two scorecards went in favor of Mashoud, 115-113 and 116-112 respectively, with only one 115-113 in favor of Davies.

Masoud admitted he wasn’t sure what to expect after the victory, but clearly expressed his confidence in his team to decide what would be best after winning the IBO title.

“I’m going to leave what’s next to my team and Matchroom Boxing. Whatever my team says, that’s what happens next.

“To my fans, don’t say anything to Liam, it’s a big respect between the two of us. We fight men and we put everything on the line for everyone. He’s a good fighter so I don’t want to discredit him. “.

The build-up to the fight hasn’t been very friendly between the two teams throughout the week, but respect was shared in the ring after the final bell.

“Well done to Shabaz, I want him to enjoy his moment,” said a disappointed Davies.

“Like he said, I had my moment and won my world title, and he did that tonight. It’s a nice feeling and fair play to him.”

Promoter Frank Warren paid tribute to both fighters, adding that Davies would return to the ring better than ever despite the defeat.

“He’s going to come back and fight again, he’s a champion and that’s what he does,” Warren said.

“It takes two fighters to make a great fight and this was a great fight, they should both be very proud of themselves and the fans should respect them both.”