RISING lightweight star Keyshawn Davis hopes to join the likes of Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Shakur Stevenson when he challenges for world honours on February 14.
The 25-year-old comes off a scintillating second-round stoppage victory over Gustavo Lemos, flooring the Argentinian three times in a ruthless display of his undeniable class.
Since then, ‘The Businessman’ has been clamouring for a shot at WBO titlist Denys Berinchyk, who he is now gearing up to face at the Madison Square Garden Theatre, New York.
The Ukrainian claimed his strap after edging a split decision against three-division champion Emanuel Navarrete, outworking his more elusive opponent through large spells of their fiercely contested showdown.
Before that, Berinchyk, 19-0 (9 KOs), secured comprehensive wins over seasoned campaigners Anthony Yigit and Yvan Mendy, establishing himself as one of the most elite operators at 135 lbs.
But while the 36-year-old represents a sizable step-up for Davis, one would suspect that, of the four lightweight champions, he is perhaps the more beatable opponent.
‘Tank’ and Stevenson, after all, are two of the most skilful pound-for-pound stars in boxing, with IBF titlist Vasyl Lomachenko, meanwhile, still regarded as a formidable force.
That said, Davis, 12-0 (8 KOs), seemingly has all the talent to reach the pinnacle of his sport, and after producing dominant performances against veterans Jose Pedraza and Francesco Patera, too, he appears to be more than ready for his first world title shot.
The only fighter who may have something to say about that, of course, is Olympic gold medallist Andy Cruz, who boasts four amateur victories over the American.
