One of the hottest prospects among boxing’s lightweight competitors has been looking for elite-level bouts since the beginning of 2023. But who will the Virginia native Keyshawn Davis fight next?
Who is Keyshawn Davis?
Despite being just seven fights into his professional boxing career, Keyshawn Davis (7-0, 5 KOs) has made headlines since competing against a fierce level of competition in 2022.
Davis has been athletically involved for most of his life.
“My brother (Kevin Davis) and I played many sports. We were athletic and the best at everything we did,” Davis said. “There was a boxing gym literally up the street that we could walk to, and our mother asked us if we wanted to box, and of course, we told her, ‘Yes.’ We went to the gym that first day, sat down and watched, and then the next day, we were boxing and never stopped.”
As an amateur, Davis collected silver medals at the 2019 Pan American Games, 2019 World Championships, and 2020 Summer Olympics. And after making his professional debut in February 2021, he’s succeeded in remaining active as possible and has already shot up through the lightweight rankings by collecting seven successive wins in under two years as a pro.
Towards the end of 2021 – four fights into his pro career – we noticed Davis hiding in the shadows of his fellow teammates. The likes of Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson were stealing the spotlight, but this was about to change.
Davis was breezing through the competition, and his domination over Jose Zaragoza in December 2021, was the final straw. His promoter, Top Rank, entrusted their 4-0 fighter in a bout with Esteban Sanchez, who was 18-1 at the time.
Once again, Davis shined. The Virginian-born standout showcased his lightning-quick reflexes and precision striking while lacing his opponent with vicious power shots when necessary.
The Norfolk, Virginia representative was sidelined due to illness until September, but upon his return, the dominance continued – stopping Omar Tienda’s ten-year unbeaten streak within five rounds.
Of course, many boxers can obtain a 7-0 record. But with Davis, the level of competition has notably been higher than his peers. And the style he’s winning these bouts is extraordinary, barely losing a round since turning pro.
And to solidify his place as a true contender, he stopped Juan Carlos Burgos – a three-time world title challenger – with ease.
Ring Magazine Editor-In-Chief said: “Eight rounds of target practice from the immensely talented Keyshawn Davis. He dominated a veteran who is seldom shut out. I think he’s the best prospect in the game right now, and he’s gone quality rounds with solid fighters in all three of his bouts in 2022.”
Keyshawn Davis in 2023: What’s next?
By now, it’s evident to see that Keyshawn Davis doesn’t want easy fights. He’s already proven his worth, so the 23-year-old has continually called out some of the lightweight division’s toughest boxers.
Last week the former Olympic boxer pointed in the direction of Jeremiah Nakathila while saying that he’s finished fighting competitors at the bottom of the barrel.
“Jeremiah Nakathila, that’s the fight I want,” Davis told reporters. “His last fight, he beat the hell out of Miguel Berchelt. Tell Jeremiah Nakathila wassup; I want to fight him.”
If the Davis/Nakathila fight happens, Davis would be the betting favorite. Virginians might find betting on the new kid risky so they will get around the risk by redeeming whatever Viginia sportsbook promo codes are available that covers your first bet, win or lose.
Since this bout is possible in the future, boxing betting fans can look forward to an elite-level bout on April 8 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Load your sportsbook accounts up because ESPN’s Mike Coppinger has announced that Davis will put his impressive unbeaten streak on the line against Emmanuel Tagoe.
Hailing from Ghana, Tagoe, 34, hasn’t been stopped inside the distance since 2004 when he competed against a fellow Ghanian, Lante Addy. He then went on an unfathomable 32-fight win streak to become a 135-contender.
Unfortunately for Tagoe, Ryan Garcia ended his long-standing win streak in April 2022. Can Davis go one step further than Garcia and break Tagoe’s chin?
