During Davis’ run at lightweight, Ortiz believes the pattern of opposition has remained consistent. The matches leaned towards pressure fighters moving forward and allowing Davis to work at his own pace. Ortiz argues that he brings a different look, one that Davis hasn’t dealt with often at 135. Movement. Control from distance. Sustained technical pressure.
The fight takes place on January 31 at Madison Square Garden, positioned as the co-feature on a big card. For Ortiz, that posting only reinforces his belief that Davis needs a credible opponent to stay on the show.
“It was me, or he probably wouldn’t be fighting on the card,” Ortiz said ATSFight. “I don’t think he had a choice. I don’t think I would be the guy he would want as a comeback fight.”
Davis had targeted a fight with IBF junior welterweight champion Richardson Hitchins, but talks broke down over money. With that option gone, Davis adjusted course, leaving Ortiz as the available opponent willing to step in.
The move to 140 follows a tumultuous stretch for Davis. Last year, he failed to make weight for what was scheduled to be a headline fight against Edwin De Los Santos at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. He didn’t fight that night. Later on the card, tensions flared backstage after Nahir Albright defeated Davis’ older brother, Kelvin, leading to a confrontation involving Keyshawn.
Since then, Davis has talked about a possible rematch with Albright, a fight Ortiz sees as familiar territory rather than a new challenge.
“It’s not something he’s dealt with at lightweight,” Ortiz said. “He’s going to find out on January 31. I’m real, and he’s going to feel it.”
Ortiz doesn’t dance around it. Davis may be rebuilding, but in Ortiz’s eyes, this fight happened because there weren’t many places left to turn.
