Keyshawn Davis: The Controversial Box of Fruit
Keyshawn Davis, the undefeated 135-pound fighter, found himself in the midst of a peculiar drama just days before his highly anticipated bout with WBO lightweight champion Denys Berinchyk. An anonymous person sent Davis a box of fruit, which he promptly accused Berinchyk of sending to create artificial hype and drama. Davis, known for his no-holds-barred approach to media, took to the stage to label Berinchyk as a "racist," despite having no concrete evidence. This theatrical move seemed contrived, aimed at drawing more attention to their upcoming fight on Friday, February 14th, at Madison Square Garden Theater in New York. The event, which will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN+, promises to be a significant moment for Davis, but the legitimacy of his claims has left many questioning his tactics.
Playing the Villain
Ade Oladipo, a boxing analyst, weighed in on Davis’s recent behavior, suggesting that it was unprofessional and unnecessary. Oladipo noted that while Davis has shown potential, his actions and choices in opponents have been questionable. "Keyshawn is very good, but he’s not getting the push that he needs. He’s doing the media rounds, and hopefully, he gets some love," Oladipo stated on his YouTube channel. He went on to compare Davis to other top lightweights like Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson, suggesting that Keyshawn could be the standout among them. However, Oladipo’s praise seemed premature, especially given Davis’s recent string of less formidable opponents. Davis’s behavior, including labeling Berinchyk as a racist, could undermine the integrity of the sport and his own reputation.
The Fight Ahead
Berinchyk, boasting a perfect 19-0 record with 9 knockouts, will defend his WBO lightweight belt against Keyshawn. Oladipo pointed out that Berinchyk is not to be underestimated, having won a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics. This Ukrainian champion is part of a storied boxing tradition, which includes names like Vasily Lomachenko, Oleksandr Gvozdyk, and Oleksandr Usyk. Despite not achieving the same level of stardom as his compatriots, Berinchyk’s recent victory over Isaac Navarrete, where he was an underdog, demonstrates his resilience and skill. The fight is billed as a tough challenge for Davis, and it will be interesting to see how he performs against a fighter of Berinchyk’s caliber.
Cruz Avoidance
One of the most glaring issues in Davis’s career is his consistent avoidance of top contenders like Andy Cruz, Edwin De Los Santos, and Raymond Muratalla. This avoidance raises doubts about his genuine readiness for elite-level competition. Davis, a native of Norfolk, Virginia, has been carefully maneuvered by Top Rank, much like Edgar Berlanga was when he was with the company. Berlanga was fed 16 consecutive "tomato cans," allowing him to score 16 straight knockouts, a clear strategy for building artificial hype. Davis has similarly been matched against inferior opponents, leading to concerns about the legitimacy of his undefeated record. The upcoming fight with Berinchyk could be a litmus test for Davis, revealing whether he is truly a top prospect or a protected fighter.
The Best 6 Lightweights
When considering the top lightweights in the 135-pound division, Keyshawn Davis is not even in the top three. Here are the current frontrunners:
- Gervonta Davis – A two-division world champion known for his explosive style.
- Andy Cruz – A formidable opponent and Olympic bronze medalist.
- Abdullah Mason – A talented and aggressive fighter.
- Raymond Muratalla – A rising star with a strong amateur background.
- William Zepeda – A hard-hitting challenger.
- Edwin De Los Santos – A skilled and durable contender.
While Vasily Lomachenko could potentially be included in this list, his future in boxing remains uncertain due to his rumored retirement. However, if he does return, he would undoubtedly be a top-three contender. Berinchyk, despite not being as well-known as some of these names, has a solid record and has proven himself in high-stakes matches, making him a formidable opponent for Davis.
The Real Test
If Berinchyk can weather the early storm and avoid Davis’s attempts to score a quick knockout, he stands a good chance of giving Davis a boxing lesson and potentially stopping him in the later rounds. Davis’s recent performance against Nahir Albright in October 2023, where he was staggered in the eighth round of a razor-close fight, is a cause for concern. The scores were 95-95, 96-94, and 97-93, indicating a highly competitive bout. After this underwhelming performance, Top Rank seemed to back off from matching Davis against quality opposition, instead opting for easier opponents like Jose Pedraza (35 years old), Miguel Madueno, and Gustavo Lemos. The Madueno fight was particularly controversial, as Davis resorted to wrestling and grappling to neutralize Madueno’s pressure, tactics that should have been penalized but were overlooked by the referee. This fight showed that Davis might be more hype than substance, and his upcoming battle with Berinchyk will be a true test of his mettle.
Conclusion
As Keyshawn Davis prepares to face Denys Berinchyk, the stage is set for a critical evaluation of his skills and character. While Davis has shown flashes of brilliance and media-savvy behavior, his recent actions and opponent choices have raised red flags. Berinchyk, a solid and experienced champion, presents a genuine challenge that will determine whether Davis is a legitimate contender or a product of Top Rank’s strategic maneuvering. The boxing world will be watching closely to see if Davis can back up his bold claims and live up to the hype.
