ONE of boxing’s newest world champions may soon confirm the first defence of his title. Keyshawn Davis, the WBO lightweight champion, claimed the belt in commanding style on February 14, dominating Denys Berinchyk before sealing the victory with a fourth-round knockout.
Davis’ promoters at Top Rank are planning his maiden defence for June 7 against former WBC title challenger Edwin De Los Santos, according to boxing journalist Dan Rafael. The veteran reporter noted that De Los Santos has agreed to his purse and signed a bout agreement with his promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz. Top Rank Vice-President Carl Moretti confirmed, “I’m working on stuff with Sampson. It’s a work in progress, but I hope we wrap it up soon.”
After his win over Berinchyk, Davis, 13-0 (9 KOs), was asked who he’d like to face next. The 26-year-old Virginian responded boldly, “Anyone who has got the balls to step in the ring to fight me!”
The 135-pound division is packed with talent, boasting champions like Vasyl Lomachenko (IBF), Shakur Stevenson (WBC), and Gervonta Davis (WBA)—three of the sport’s elite, not just in their weight class. Currently, Lomachenko remains sidelined as he recovers from an injury with no return date set.
The WBC has ordered Stevenson to face his mandatory challenger, William Zepeda, while Gervonta Davis appears poised to rematch Lamont Roach this summer following their controversial clash last month.
If Davis vs. De Los Santos is finalised, the champion will return to the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, where he previously stopped Argentine dangerman Gustavo Lemos in two rounds. Known as ‘The Businessman,’ Davis will enter as a strong favourite against De Los Santos, who suffered a 12-round decision loss to Stevenson in November 2023—his most recent fight.
However, the southpaw challenger has a notable win on his ledger. In September 2022, De Los Santos pulled off an upset by knocking out Jose Valenzuela in the third round of an undercard bout at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
De Los Santos, 16-2 (14 KOs), not only showcased his punching power but also his resilience, bouncing back after being floored in the second round. Since that defeat, Valenzuela went on to claim the WBA lightweight title with an upset victory over Isaac Cruz in August 2024, only to lose it in his first defence last month to Gary Antuanne Russell.
De Los Santos is currently ranked No. 8 by the WBA and entered the latest WBO rankings at No. 13.
