Keyshawn Davis, undefeated with a record of 12-0, 8 KOs, has declared that he is physically capable of competing at welterweight, but for now, he intends to focus on capturing the WBO lightweight belt from reigning champion Denys Berinchyk. *Davis will face the unbeaten Ukrainian (19-0, 9 KOs) on February 14 at Madison Square Garden in a highly anticipated fight to be broadcast live on ESPN+.
Davis: “I Can Fight at 147 Now”
Davis has the frame to move up to welterweight immediately, claiming that he is as large as the likes of Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. He also emphasized that he could make the 147-pound weight class now, stating that “135 is just the beginning” of his career. However, Davis appears content to stay in the lightweight division, seeking an advantage over opponents by maintaining his size at 135 pounds.
“I’m bigger than Shakur [Stevenson],” Davis remarked in a recent interview with MillCity Boxing. “Shakur probably peaks at 135. My peak is at 147. I want to fight everybody, and after I beat Berinchyk, I want to unify with one of the champions. But I’m not going to fight Shakur.”
Is Davis Too Big for 135?
While Davis may be eyeing the higher weight divisions, there are doubts about his continued success at lightweight. Like Devin Haney, Davis’s size and physique seem more suited for a move up in weight. Yet, he insists on staying at lightweight to leverage his size advantage for now. However, his decision to focus on post-Berinchyk plans may be premature, especially considering the possible challenges ahead. If Davis loses to Berinchyk, he could find himself in an unfavorable position, with the prospect of unification fights becoming increasingly difficult to arrange.
Some critics suggest Davis is overlooking the reality of the situation. He may face tougher opponents than expected, and Top Rank might struggle to secure the unification bouts he envisions. Moreover, fighting his former opponent, Andy Cruz, seems unlikely, with Davis avoiding a potential fifth showdown with the Cuban, who previously defeated him in the 2020 Olympics.
Davis’s Confidence and Goals
Despite the skepticism, Davis remains confident. “I’m the young gunner,” he declared. “I want to fight everybody after I get my belt. And I want to unify with the champions, except for Stevenson.”
He also made it clear that staying at 135 is not a long-term plan. At present, he weighs 144 pounds, indicating that he’s not far from the 140-pound division. “I’m not really a 140-pounder, but I got the size and strength to do that,” Davis said.
Concerns for Davis’s Future at 147
While Davis might not need to remain at lightweight, jumping to welterweight might pose more challenges than he anticipates. He could face stiff competition from the top fighters in the division, including those like Karen Chukhadzhian. Without the size advantage he currently enjoys at lightweight, Davis could struggle in a more competitive, physically demanding weight class.
As Davis sets his sights on the future, he might need to adjust his approach as he steps into the ring with Berinchyk. The results of that fight could determine his next steps, but the road to unification—and his ultimate success—could become far more complicated.
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