The problem is that Davis hasn’t fought the level of opposition that would warrant that comparison.
At lightweight, Davis was consistently the bigger man, often looking like a welterweight after rehydration. His two most notable opponents in the division were Nahir Albright and a 37-year-old Denys Berinchyk. Davis came close to losing to Albright in 2023 and was visibly confused in that fight. Neither match represented a step toward elite fighting at the weight.
Davis also chose not to accept repeated challenges from Andy Cruz, who has a 4-0 amateur record over him. That decision was seen by some observers as a reluctance to revisit a game he had repeatedly lost, rather than a calculated career move based on risk and reward.
It’s one thing for Bradley to get excited about Davis beating limited opposition. It’s another thing to project him as a fighter capable of imitating Terence Crawford without seeing him tested against higher-level opponents. Crawford’s career was built on risk, patience, and ultimately forcing his way to defining fights. That part of the equation is missing.
Some fans point out that Crawford himself avoided certain matchups late in his career, including potential fights with Jaron Ennis, Vergil Ortiz Jr., or top contenders at 168 pounds. If the comparison is based solely on selective matchups, Davis might fit the mold. But that’s a limited reading of what made Crawford exceptional.
“I think the closest thing to Terence Crawford, the closest thing that has a chance to do what Crawford did, was Keyshawn Davis,” Bradley said. YouTube channel.
Bradley may want to revisit Davis’ fight against Albright and take a harder look at a resume that remains thin before elevating him to that level. Compiling a thin record is something anyone can do. Being carefully managed does not in itself raise a warrior.
Bradley praised Davis’ strength, boxing ability and IQ while citing his Olympic background and physical tools. What he didn’t address is the absence of high-level wins. Davis hasn’t looked special in any of his four fights with Andy Cruz, including their last meeting in 2020, when Cruz controlled the fight.
Below is footage from the 2020 Olympic gold medal match between Keyshawn Davis and Andy Cruz, included for comparison.
If there’s a fighter from that rivalry that more closely resembles Crawford’s trajectory, it’s the one who won every time. Until Davis proves otherwise, the comparison remains unproven.
Comparisons to all-time greats tend to emerge early in a prospect’s career, especially when broadcasters are invested in the outcome. They fade just as quickly when the matches don’t follow. Until Davis gets into fights that carry real downside, the Crawford comparison will seem more like a projection than proof.
