Keyshawn Davis’ Glorious Valentine’s Victory
On Valentine’s Day, The Theater at Madison Square Garden was witness to a momentous event in the world of boxing. Keyshawn Davis (13-0, 9 KO, 1 NC) achieved his lifelong dream by securing the WBO lightweight championship, knocking out the previously unbeaten Denys Berinchyk (19-1, 9 KO) in the fourth round. Just a few weeks shy of his 26th birthday, Davis’s victory was a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence. The fight reached its climax when Davis landed a vicious left hook to Berinchyk’s body, causing the Ukrainian to crumple to the canvas and fail to beat the referee’s ten-count. This knockout, which occurred at the 1:45 mark of the fourth round, was a culmination of Davis’s strategic prowess and physical prowess.
From Olympics to Professional Prowess
Keyshawn Davis’s journey to the top is nothing short of inspiring. He won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, showcasing his exceptional skills on the international stage. Davis made his professional debut in February 2021, fighting on the undercard of a Canelo Álvarez bout. Over the next four years, he honed his craft and proved his potential as a future champion. His performance against Berinchyk, a fighter who had earned the championship by defeating two-division world champion Emmanuel Navarette, demonstrated Davis’s superior combination of speed, technique, and precision punching. Top Rank chairman Bob Arum lauded Davis as a "sensational young fighter" and likened him to the future of boxing. Davis’s victory was a clear indication of his readiness to take on the elite of the lightweight division.
Overcoming the Odds
Despite being a 6-to-1 underdog, Denis Berinchyk was no pushover. The 35-year-old Ukrainian had won the championship by defeating Navarette and was a formidable opponent. However, Davis’s overwhelming display of skill and determination left Berinchyk unable to keep pace. Davis had foreshadowed his victory by knocking Berinchyk down with a body shot in the third round. The final knockout in the fourth round was a decisive moment that solidified Davis’s status as a legitimate champion. His ability to read his opponent and execute a flawless game plan was evident in his performance, making it clear that he was the superior fighter on that night.
A Legacy in the Making
Keyshawn Davis’s victory is not just a personal triumph; it is a historic moment for his hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. He is the first boxer from Norfolk to win a world championship since the legendary Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker, a Hall of Famer. Davis is also part of a talented family of fighters. His older brother, Kelvin, 28, competes in the welterweight division as a southpaw, while his youngest brother, Keon, 23, made his professional debut in November and secured his second victory on Keyshawn’s undercard. Standing at a towering 6 feet 3 inches, Keon fought at a catchweight of 150 pounds. In an interview with Mark Kriegel of ESPN, Keyshawn expressed his belief that Keon has the potential to be the best fighter among the three brothers.
The Lightweight Division’s New Star
Keyshawn Davis now joins an intriguing lightweight division, which includes champions Vasiliy Lomachenko (IBF), Gervonta “Tank” Davis (WBA), and Shakur Stevenson (WBC). William Zepeda holds an interim version of the WBC lightweight championship. Davis has already called out some of his potential opponents, including Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and Gervonta Davis. Other matchups that could make sense for him include a bout with Vasily Lomachenko or William Zepeda. However, the most interesting aspect of Davis’s road to unification is his relationship with fellow 135-pound champion and stablemate Shakur Stevenson. Despite their shared trainer, Brian “Bomac” McIntyre, and their close personal ties, Davis has made it clear that he would never fight Stevenson. This decision is rooted in a deep respect for Stevenson’s family, highlighting Davis’s values and maturity beyond the ring.
A Bright Future Ahead
With his championship victory, Keyshawn Davis has solidified his place among the elite of the lightweight division. His next steps could lead to some of the most exciting matchups in boxing. Whether he faces Cruz, Lomachenko, or Zepeda, Davis’s combination of skill and determination will make him a formidable opponent. His journey from the Olympics to a world championship and his potential for future unification fights promise that he will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Davis’s respect for his family, his close-knit community, and his dedication to the sport make him not just a champion in the ring but a role model off it as well.
