“My next fight is definitely going to be a credible name, a name bigger than Jamaine Ortiz,” Keyshawn told Fight Hub TV.
Since stopping Jamaine Ortiz in the 12th round on Jan. 31 at Madison Square Garden, Keyshawn has openly asked for bigger fights. In interviews and on social media, he mentioned names across the junior welterweight and welterweight divisions, including Devin Haney, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, Richardson Hitchins, Lewis Crocker and Lamont Roach Jr.
Those challenges followed a performance that Keyshawn pointed to as proof that he belongs among the top contenders. He dropped and stopped Ortiz in a fight where several previous opponents had gone the distance with the durable contender. Now Keyshawn says the next step will put him in the welterweight title picture.
“I think I’m moving up,” Keyshawn said when asked about the weight for his next fight, confirming plans to compete at 147 pounds and indicating the fight will be for a world championship.
Keyshawn didn’t name an opponent, but he suggested the fight would be a step up from his recent outing. He also said that bookings for the fight have already taken place and that his return could come sooner than many expect.
A move to welterweight would put Keyshawn in one of boxing’s most competitive divisions, where several established contenders are already vying for title opportunities and championship fights remain in constant demand.
One possible opponent at 147 is IBF champion Lewis Crocker, a name Keyshawn mentioned while discussing future fights. Keyshawn previously said he would be willing to travel to the United Kingdom to challenge Crocker if a title opportunity became available. No deal has been announced, but the bout has emerged as one potential path if he moves directly into the welterweight title picture.
For now, Keyshawn says preparations for his return are already underway as talks continue for what he expects to be a world title fight.
