The Lightweight Contenders: A Trainer’s Perspective
Trainer Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre has a clear opinion on the current lightweight landscape: Keyshawn Davis and Shakur Stevenson are the two best fighters at 135 lbs. According to BoMac, both fighters are equally strong, with a 50-50 chance of being the top dog. However, the general perception is that Gervonta Davis is the best in the division, mainly because he has been fighting at lightweight longer. This perception is challenged by BoMac, who believes Keyshawn and Shakur are equally capable and should be given more credit.
Keyshawn Davis: Rising Star or Weight Bully?
Keyshawn Davis, a 13-0 fighter with 9 KOs, has recently captured the WBO lightweight title by knocking out Denys Berinchyk in the fourth round. Despite this victory, fans are largely unconvinced of his prowess at 135 lbs. Critics argue that Keyshawn is a weight bully, fighting several divisions below his natural weight class, which is believed to be closer to middleweight. The size difference between Keyshawn and Berinchyk was stark, with Berinchyk appearing old, small, and weak in comparison. This has fueled the argument that Keyshawn is gaming the system to achieve success he might not otherwise enjoy.
Shakur Stevenson’s Evolution
Shakur Stevenson, who has moved up three divisions to reach lightweight, has only been competing at 135 lbs since 2023. Unlike Keyshawn, Shakur has proven himself across various weight classes, which adds credibility to his rank in the division. However, his recent stint at lightweight has been met with skepticism from fans who believe he hasn’t faced top-tier opposition. Despite these doubts, BoMac insists that Shakur, like Keyshawn, has a "toolbox" of skills that make him a formidable opponent.
The Toolbox Debate
BoMac argues that Keyshawn Davis would easily beat Gervonta Davis, possibly even knocking him out, because Keyshawn has a broader range of skills. He describes Tank Davis as limited in his fighting style, whereas Keyshawn and Shakur have a variety of tactics they can employ. This "toolbox" of techniques gives Keyshawn the edge in any matchup, according to BoMac. He believes that Keyshawn’s versatility would be especially useful in a fight against Gervonta, whose singular style of fighting can only carry him so far.
The Gervonta Davis Factor
Gervonta Davis is widely regarded as the best lightweight fighter due to his experience and track record. However, BoMac suggests that the perception of Gervonta as the best is partly due to his longer tenure in the weight class. He emphasizes that Keyshawn and Shakur are equally capable and should be given the same recognition. BoMac also proposes that a match against Vasiliy Lomachenko would be a significant test for Keyshawn, given Lomachenko’s own extensive toolbox of skills. Nevertheless, BoMac believes Keyshawn has the speed and versatility to overcome Lomachenko.
The Future of Lightweight Boxing
The debate over who is the best lightweight fighter continues to simmer. While Keyshawn Davis’s recent win has raised his profile, the criticism about his weight class choice remains. Fans and critics alike are waiting to see if Keyshawn can prove his mettle against more formidable opponents at 135 lbs. Similarly, Shakur Stevenson’s journey at lightweight is still in its early stages, and his ability to maintain his form against elite competition will be crucial. Ultimately, the lightweight division remains one of the most competitive and exciting in boxing, with Keyshawn, Shakur, and Gervonta Davis at the forefront of this thrilling landscape.
