Oscar De La Hoya’s Subtle Criticism
On a recent Saturday night, Oscar De La Hoya, the renowned promoter of Golden Boy Promotions, took a subtle jab at Top Rank’s rising star, Keyshawn Davis. Following Oscar Duarte’s impressive seventh-round knockout win over Miguel Madueno, De La Hoya pointed out that while Duarte was able to subdue Madueno, Keyshawn couldn’t manage to do the same in their bout last year. De La Hoya’s comment, though not explicitly stated, was a clear indication that he believes Duarte is a more formidable fighter than Davis. The KO victory by Duarte certainly adds weight to De La Hoya’s assessment, as it demonstrated a level of power and aggression that Davis seemed to lack against the same opponent.
Power and Courage: The Missing Element
De La Hoya’s critique extends beyond just the outcome of the bouts. He suggests that while the physical power was present in Davis’s fight, the mental courage was not. In the July 6th bout with Madueno, Davis showed signs of retreating after feeling the Mexican fighter’s powerful punches early on. Instead of aggressively countering, he turned the fight into a wrestling match, utilizing tactics that the referee allowed without disqualification. This approach, while effective in securing a unanimous decision, raised questions about his willingness to engage in a more traditional, risk-reward style of boxing. The contrast in Davis’s strategies between the two fights—his aggressive steamrolling of Denys Berinchyk last Friday and his defensive tactics against Madueno—further supports De La Hoya’s sentiment.
Davis’s Journey to the WBO Lightweight Title
Despite the criticism, Keyshawn Davis’s recent performance cannot be entirely dismissed. Last Friday, he captured the WBO lightweight title by decisively defeating Denys Berinchyk in just four rounds at the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City. Davis’s dominance in this fight was evident, as he showcased his speed, power, and tactical acumen. This victory not only solidified his position as a top contender but also demonstrated his ability to adapt and perform under different circumstances. However, the success against Berinchyk, who was a less experienced and less powerful opponent, does not negate the concerns raised by his previous bout with Madueno.
The Madueno Fight: A Telling Performance
The fight with Miguel Madueno in July 2023 was a pivotal moment in Davis’s career. Madueno, a seasoned fighter with a notable knockout record, presented a significant challenge. In the early rounds, Davis engaged in a back-and-forth battle, trading powerful blows with Madueno. However, as the fight progressed, Davis appeared to become wary of Madueno’s punching power and reverted to a more defensive and less aggressive style. This shift in strategy, while understandable from a risk management perspective, may have been seen by De La Hoya and others as a sign of hesitancy. The fact that Duarte, who has a similar record and skill set, was able to knock out Madueno in just seven rounds, underscores the performance gap that De La Hoya is highlighting.
The Referee’s Role in Madison Square Garden
The referee’s leniency in allowing Davis to employ wrestling tactics during his fight with Madueno has also come under scrutiny. While such tactics are not uncommon in boxing to avoid taking significant hits, the extent to which Davis relied on them raised eyebrows. The referee’s decision not to disqualify Davis for his excessive wrestling could be seen as a double standard, especially when compared to other fighters who have been penalized for similar behavior. This leniency might have contributed to Davis’s strategy, allowing him to secure a win without fully committing to an aggressive boxing match.
Moving Forward: Davis’s Path to greatness
Looking ahead, Keyshawn Davis will have to address the concerns raised by his performance against Madueno if he hopes to maintain his standing as a top lightweight contender. The ability to adapt and overcome tough opponents is crucial in boxing, and Davis’s recent title win against Berinchyk shows that he has the talent and potential to do so. However, facing and defeating a fighter like Madueno with a powerful punch and experience will be a true test of his mettle. Oscar De La Hoya’s comments serve as a reminder that the sport of boxing is not just about winning titles but also about how one conducts themselves in the ring. Davis’s next challenges will be key in determining whether he can silence his critics and solidify his reputation as an elite fighter.
