A Promising Night Turned Sour
Keyshawn Davis (13-0, 9 KOs) had a stellar night on Friday at Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City, delivering a fourth-round knockout to WBO lightweight champion Denys Berinchyk (19-1, 9 KOs). The win was a significant one, marking a step up in competition for Davis, who had previously faced less notable opponents. However, the post-fight celebration took an unexpected turn when Davis, in a moment of bravado, called out two of the most prominent names in the lightweight division—Gervonta Davis and Vasily Lomachenko. Despite the excitement and momentum, it quickly became evident that Keyshawn’s aspirations of facing these champions were unrealistic for several reasons.
Too Big for the Lightweight Division
One of the most glaring issues is Keyshawn’s size. He entered the ring looking more like a middleweight than a lightweight, and this size advantage was a significant factor in his victory over Berinchyk. If boxing had its act together, there would have been a rehydration rule and an evening weight check to ensure the fight was fair. The discrepancy in size is a major concern for potential opponents, especially those at the top of the division like Gervonta Davis and Lomachenko. These champions are not going to risk their titles or reputations by fighting someone who is significantly larger and potentially heavier. Keyshawn’s weight-cutting tactics, while effective in this instance, are a double-edged sword. They might help him win against lesser-known opponents, but they also make it difficult for him to secure fights with higher-profile boxers who operate within the specified weight limits.
Lack of Credibility and Name Recognition
Another major hurdle for Keyshawn is his lack of name recognition and credible competition on his resume. While he boasts a perfect record, his opponents have not been top-tier fighters. Berinchyk, though a champion, had a relatively modest record and was not considered among the division’s elite. This absence of notable wins is a significant drawback when it comes to attracting bigger fights. Top-tier boxers and champions are more likely to engage in bouts that will enhance their own reputations and paychecks. Keyshawn’s victory over Berinchyk, impressive as it was, doesn’t provide the kind of pedigree that would make Gervonta Davis or Lomachenko seriously consider him as an opponent.
Expecting the A-Side Role
Keyshawn also likely expects to be the A-side in any future fights, meaning he anticipates a larger share of the purse and more media attention. This is a common expectation for fighters who have just won a significant bout, but it doesn’t align with the reality of the boxing world. Champions like Gervonta Davis and Lomachenko are established stars with their own large followings and lucrative contracts. They are not going to give up their A-side status to fight Keyshawn, especially given his relative inexperience and the size disparity. For Keyshawn to have a realistic chance of facing these champions, he would need to build a more robust resume and gain more popularity in the sport.
Potential Realistic Opponents
While Keyshawn’s calls for a fight with Gervonta Davis and Lomachenko may fall on deaf ears, there are other credible fighters in the lightweight division who might be willing to take him on. Names like Andy Cruz, Edwin De Los Santos, Ernesto Mercado, Raymond Muratalla, Shakur Stevenson, Abdullah Mason, and Frank Martin come to mind. These fighters are well-respected within the division and could provide Keyshawn with a more realistic challenge. While they may not offer the payday he is aiming for, they would certainly add some weight to his resume and help him build a stronger case for a future shot at the title. It’s also worth noting that some of these fighters might be more willing to face Keyshawn as long as the fight makes financial and competitive sense for them.
The Weight Bully Tactic
The use of weight cutting to gain a size advantage is a well-known tactic in boxing, but it often backfires. While it can help a fighter win against smaller opponents, it tends to alienate them from the top competition they seek. Keyshawn’s approach of cutting down to the lightweight limit and then rehydrating to a much larger size is a short-term strategy that might work against lesser-known fighters like Berinchyk, but it won’t fly with the elite. The boxing community, including fans and promoters, expects a certain level of fairness and integrity in the sport. Gervonta Davis and Lomachenko are not just looking for a win; they are looking to showcase their skills and maintain their status as top-tier fighters. Fighting an opponent who is artificially inflating their size to gain an advantage is not something they are likely to agree to.
Moving Forward
For Keyshawn Davis to truly make a name for himself and have a shot at fighting the likes of Gervonta Davis and Lomachenko, he needs to focus on building a more substantial resume. He should seek out fights against other established and respected fighters in the lightweight division. Over time, as he racks up more impressive wins and gains recognition, his chances of securing a high-profile bout will increase. Additionally, he might need to reconsider his weight-cutting strategy. While it helped him against Berinchyk, it’s not a sustainable path to becoming a champion. If Keyshawn can find a way to compete at a more natural and fair weight, he will be able to prove his mettle against the best in the division and perhaps one day realize his dream of facing the top champions.
