2020 Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis made his pro boxing debut in February 2021 when he defeated Lester Brown by second round TKO. Davis would go on to win his next 10 fights.
During his third year as a pro, Davis experienced evolution as he gradually reached his peak. In November 2024, the Norfolk, Virginia native had his first homecoming event.
With 2:40 left in the second round, Davis defeated Gustavo Lemos when he landed a sharp counter right. Lemos was able to get up, but he went down a second time when Davis connected with a vicious left hook.
When Lemos tried to get up, he started reeling backwards and fell back onto the canvas. Once Lemos was able to gather himself, Keyshawn Davis landed a flurry of shots that put Lemos down for the third and final time.
Three months later, Keyshawn Davis stepped into the squared circle and attempted to win his first world title. Around the midway point of the 4th round, Davis hit Denys Berinchyk with a well-placed body punch.
The punch was exhausting as Berinchyk fell to his knees and failed to beat the count. As a result of the knockout victory, Keyshawn Davis won the WBO lightweight belt.
After capturing his first world title, Keyshawn Davis was considered a star on the rise. Unfortunately for Davis, his progress stalled due to Davis becoming his own worst enemy.
In what would be his second homecoming event, Davis was scheduled to defend his WBO world title against Edwin De Los Santos in June 2025, but Davis came in 4.3 pounds over the weight limit, and the fight was canceled.
During the homecoming event he was supposed to attend, Keyshawn Davis watched his brother Kelvin Davis battle Nahir Albright. Unfortunately for Kelvin, he lost by majority decision.
After the fight, Keyshawn and his other brother, Keon, went backstage and started an altercation with Albright. During the altercation, Keyshawn headbutted Nahir Albright.
As a result of his actions, police escorted Keyshawn out of the Norfolk Scope Arena.
Keyshawn would go on to take a break from boxing to focus on his mental health.
Now, undefeated former world champion Keyshawn Davis (13-0, 9 KOs) is focused on making 2026 the year of redemption. In 2025, Davis struggled with a personal loss and his dependence on alcohol.
“From June to August I was drinking every day depressed. I texted my brothers and said, ‘Yeah bro, I just don’t want to be here anymore. I just don’t want to be me,'” Davis said.
“My brothers held me to make sure I was straight. Then September 30th came, and my brother died. I went through the hardest time of my life.”
Davis plans to start his year of redemption by picking up a stoppage win over Jamaine Ortiz. Davis is feeling confident, and during a previous workout he consistently used one specific word when referring to himself.
“January 31st, the amazing… the amazing, say it right man, say it right man, the amazing, say it! The amazing Keyshawn Davis!”
Former WBO lightweight world champion Keyshawn Davis feels fresh and invigorated. If Davis is able to defeat Ortiz on Jan. 31, he wants to fight a world champion at 147.
As for the calendar year, Davis plans to fight at least three times. At the end of 2026, Keyshawn believes his performances will help him drop his name on the pound-for-pound list.
