Many were surprised to see Ishmael Davis back on another prominent show, barely two months removed from a competitive 12-round split decision defeat in Belfast preceding Lewis Crocker's IBF welterweight world title win over Paddy Donovan.

Yet it's easy to forget the 30-year-old junior middleweight contender earned this long ago, albeit with a little help from Louis Greene's withdrawal. Before relishing his role as short-notice saviour on two Riyadh Season shows last year, Davis pitched a career-best points win (116-112 x 2, 117-111) over Troy Williamson in their British 154-pound final title eliminator.

Everything that came afterwards was seen as a low-risk, high-reward bonus for a battle-hardened unbeaten contender keen to mix it with the world's best. Falling short against Josh Kelly and Serhii Bohachuk is no disgrace, though his perfect resume has disappeared.

Leeds' Davis (14-3, 6 KOs) will seek to ruin a happy homecoming for Spurs fan Sam Gilley (18-1-1, 9 KOs) next weekend as part of the five-fight undercard preceding Chris Eubank Jr-Conor Benn II at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 15.

Their 12-round junior middleweight matchup will feature as part of DAZN's pay-per-view coverage of The Ring: Unfinished Business, headlined by the aforementioned rematch.

Davis has been recently training in Essex alongside Conor Benn, one-half of the main event, teasing some predictably fiery sparring sessions between two operators who pride themselves on their intensity. First, he recently returned to winning ways with a six-round points win over Italy's Manchester-based Elliot Eboigbe (1-15, 1 KO) on a small-hall show.

Last fight: October 10, Davis eased to a 60-54 win over Eboigbe on a Mark Bateson-promoted show in his native Leeds. It was a necessary step to ensure he'd feature on this occasion, as the BBBofC don't allow boxers coming off defeats to immediately contest British title fights.

Originally slated to box Cameroon journeyman Serge Ambomo in said bout, he adapted to the task of a tricky southpaw on short-notice and was busier while remaining risk-averse, avoiding any cuts or niggling injuries that would prevent him from making the Nov. 15 date.

Odds: Boasting a considerable jump in experience as far as opposition is concerned, even in losing efforts, Davis is the clear pre-fight favourite and priced at 1/3 with bet365 (-300).

How does Davis win: Still sour over the Agyarko loss, Davis must channel his frustration the right way in a fight he's favoured to win for the first time in a while. Gilley has the tools to keep him honest at distance, but neither man is a big power puncher and it will force both into situations that require on-the-fly thinking, adjustments and tactical tweaks.

Davis was his own worst enemy in September, not busy enough nor showcasing much punch variety after catching Agyarko clean in the opening exchanges. Too easy to hit, it's easy to see why he was beaten by a subtle and more skilful boxer on the night, but this cannot be the same story against Gilley - he must find ways to frustrate and stifle his work.

Watching how Gideon Onyenani spoiled and angered Gilley in close quarters en route to their eight-round draw should give his team food for thought, but he can't be complacent and assume the Essex puncher won't look to produce a career-best performance. He will.

What it means if he wins: The phrase must-win is often bandied about, but as far as Davis is concerned, he cannot afford to lose if he's serious about scaling back towards world level. Matchroom signed him to a multi-fight deal last year and still harbour hopes for what he can be, but time is running out and sketchy form against solid opposition doesn't help.

He'll fight anyone, but doesn't want to be the resident gatekeeper nor a glorified sparring partner for world-level contenders. Frank Smith told The Ring last month that an Agyarko rematch could be pursued later down the line, while steady progression towards European honours is a possibility if he wins and looks good doing it. The alternative isn't so bright.

Newly-minted English champion Bilal Fawaz (37) will be among those with a vested interest in next weekend's fight, given how he's successfully emerged unscathed and even stronger after a two-fight series with another Matchroom-backed fighter in young Junaid Bostan.

The 154-pound division in Britain isn't exactly booming and 18 months ago, there was real anticipation about what a then-unbeaten and determined Davis could become. We've seen his limitations laid bare on three occasions since then, but there's still life in him yet.

What they're saying: "Sam's a nice guy, we've been speaking and there's no fire in terms of hating each other but boxing is a business. I just believe I'm the better fighter, had more experience, pushed myself to deeper places against stronger opponents so, may the best man win," Davis told BoxingNow when previewing their matchup.

TV/Stream: DAZN PPV; $59.99 in the U.S. (11.30 a.m. ET); £24.99 in the UK (4.30 p.m. GMT).