Keyshawn Davis vs. Gustavo Lemos will meet this Friday, November 8th, in a 10-round headliner at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. This is the homecoming for the #3 IBF, WBC, and WBO-ranked lightweight contender Keyshawn (11-0, 7 KOs) to perform in front of his fans. The event will be shown on ESPN+ starting at 6:20 ET.
A crowd of over 9,000+ is expected to attend to watch Keyshawn take his toughest career test against Lemos (29-1, 19 KOs). The Argentinian Lemos should still be unbeaten because he’s coming off a controversial 12-round unanimous decision against Richardson Hitchins on April 6th in Las Vegas.
Keyshawn’s brothers, Kelvin Davis and Keon Davis, fight on the undercard. Welterweight Kelvin (13-0, 7 KOs) fights Yeis Solano (15-3, 10 KOs) in an eight-round contest. Keon (0-0) will debut at welterweight against Jalen Moore.
The real gem on Friday’s card is lightweight prospect Abdullah Mason (15-0, 13 KOs) fighting Yohan Vasquez (26-5, 21 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Top Rank isn’t matching Mason tough yet due to his age.
Keyshawn Pushing for Tank Fight
“When I become world champion, I’m world champ just like he’s world champ,” said Keyshawn Davis to Brian Campbell’s channel when asked if he thinks he’ll fight Gervonta Davis at some point in his career. “Davis vs. Davis, just the name itself, that’s pay-per-view. Do you know what I’m saying?”
Keyshawn, 25, doesn’t say who he plans to beat to become a lightweight world champion. The only belt-holder at 135 that Keyshawn has a chance of fighting in 2025 is WBO champion Denys Berinchyk, but the higher ranked #2 Raymond Muratalla says he wants to be next to fight for that belt. Keyshawn is rated #3 WBO.
If Top Rank lets Keyshawn leapfrog in front of Muratalla, they will be sending a message that Keyshawn is more important.
“It’s going to sell more than his fight he’s got right now. It’s going to sell more than his last guaranteed. Of course, he’s the face of boxing. He’s Gervonta, right? But me just coming up for my main event, I just sold over 9,000 seats. So, I sell. People are going to come see me fight Tank. Also, a lot more people will come to see Tank fight me, but we’re both going to sell it. Do you understand what I’m saying?
“I think that’s a fight that needs to be made, Davis vs. Davis, and both of us got that mentality. So, I think if he’s up for the challenge, I’m up for it. Yeah, I’m on everybody’s radar. I’m talented. I can really fight. I’m on everybody’s radar,” said Keyshawn when asked if he believes he’s on Tank Davis’ radar.
“They’re not going to mention me because they don’t want these problems. People know from amateurs that I’m proving myself,” said Keyshawn.
As you can see, Keyshawn has a narcissistic personality. He talks about himself as if he’s above everyone else and is considered an outstanding talent. The reality is much different. He’s not viewed as above the top fighters and is still a work in progress that may not pan out in the pro ranks. Top Rank has got to have buyer’s regret over signing Keyshawn.
The champions aren’t going to mention Keyshawn for these reasons:
- Not popular: Keyshawn is not a PPV attraction. Although he does sell tickets in his hometown of Norfolk, the champions won’t want to give him that advantage.
- Huge for the weight class: Keyshawn looks massive after rehydrating, like a welterweight. Younger fighters like Keyshawn can fight below their natural weight class. Fans on social media refer to this as a “weight bully.” If Keyshawn were forced to fight in the division that is natural for his frame at welterweight, life would be hard, and his career, such as it is, would likely crumble.
- Potential for controversial loss: With all the hype and money that is being poured into Keyshawn’s career, there’s the potential of losing a controversial decision against him. None of the champions want to lose their titles against a fighter who is being hyped like mad.
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