Keyshawn Davis vs. Gustavo Lemos will meet this Friday, November 8th in a 10-round headliner at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. It’s 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 9,000+ is expected to be in attendance to watch Keyshawn face his toughest career test against Lemos (29-1, 19 KOs). Argentinian Lemos should still be undefeated as he is coming off a controversial 12-round unanimous decision against Richardson Hitchins on April 6 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) against Yohan Vasquez (26-5, 21 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Top Rank is not yet a tough match for Mason due to his age.
Keyshawn pushes for tank battle
“When I become world champion, I’m world champion just like he’s world champion,” Keyshawn Davis told Brian Campbell’s. channel when asked if he thought he would fight Gervonta Davis at some point in his career. “Davis vs. Davis, just the name itself, it’s pay-per-view. Do you know what I’m saying?”
Keyshawn, 25, isn’t saying who he plans to beat to become a lightweight world champion. The only belt holder at 135 that Keyshawn has a chance to fight in 2025 is WBO champion Denys Berinchyk, but higher ranked #2 Raymond Muratalla says he wants to be next to fight for that belt. Keyshawn is rated #3 WBO.
If Top Rank let Keyshawn jump road in front of Muratallawill send them a message that Keyshawn is more important.
“It’s going to sell more than his fight he has now. It’s going to sell for more than its last guaranteed. Of course he is the face of boxing. He’s Gervonta, right? But I just came up for my main event, I just sold over 9,000 seats. So, I sell. People come to watch me fight against tanks. 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 it’s a fight that has to be made, Davis against Davis, and both of us have that mentality. So, I think if he’s up for the challenge, I’m up for it. Yes, I’m on everyone’s radar. I am talented. I can really fight. I’m on everybody’s radar,” Keyshawn said when asked if he believed he was on Tank Davis’ radar.
“They’re not going to name me because they don’t want these problems. People know from amateurs that I prove myself,” Keyshawn said.
As you can see, Keyshawn has a narcissistic personality. He talks about himself as if he is above everyone else and is considered an outstanding talent. The reality is very different. He is not considered above the top fighters and is still a work in progress who might not make it into the pro ranks. Top Rank must have buyer’s regret on the signing of Keyshawn.
The champs are not going to name Keyshawn for these reasons:
- Not popular: Keyshawn is not a PPV attraction. Although he does sell tickets in his home town of Norfolk, the champions will not want to give him that advantage.
- Large for the weight class: Keyshawn looks massive after rehydration, 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 natural to his frame at welterweight, life would be difficult, and his career, such as it is, would likely crumble.
- Potential for controversial loss: With all the hype and money being poured into Keyshawn’s career, there is the potential to lose a controversial decision against him. Neither champion wants to lose their titles to a fighter hyped like crazy.
