Keyshawn Davis vs. Gustavo Lemos meet this Friday, November 8th in a 10-round head-to-head at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. This is 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 witness Keyshawn take on his toughest career test against Lemos (29-1, 19 KOs). Argentina’s 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 make his pro debut at welterweight against Jalen Moore.
The real gem on Friday’s card is a light outlook Abdullah Mason (15-0, 13 KOs) fighting Yohan Vasquez (26-5, 21 KOs) in an eight rounder. Top Rank is no match for Mason hard because of his age.
Keyshawn pushes for the tank fight
“When I become world champion, I’m world champion like he’s world champion,” Keyshawn Davis told Brian Campbell. channel when asked if he thinks he will fight Gervonta Davis at some point in his career. “Davis vs. Davis, just the name itself, this is pay-per-view. You know what I’m saying?
Keyshawn, 25, is not saying who he plans to beat to become a lightweight world champion. The only 135-year-old belt holder that Keyshawn has a chance to fight in 2025 is WBO champion Denys Berinchyk, but top-ranked #2 Raymond Muratalla says he wants to be close to fighting for that belt. Keyshawn is ranked #3 WBO.
If Top Rank allows Keyshawn to jump ahead of Muratalla, they will be sending a message that Keyshawn is considered more important.
“He’s going to sell more of his fight than he has right now. He’s going to sell more than his last guaranteed. Of course, he’s the face of boxing. It’s Gervonta, right? But he’s only coming for my main event, I’ve sold more of 9,000 seats. People will come to see me fight. Also, many more people will come to see Tank fight. Do you know what I’m saying?
“I think it’s a fight that needs to be made, Davis vs. Davis, and we both have the mentality. So, I think if he’s up for the challenge, I’m up for it. Yeah, I’m on everybody’s radar. I’m talented. I can really wrestle. I’m on everybody’s radar,” Keyshawn said when asked if he believes he’s on Tank Davis’ radar.
“They don’t have to mention me because they don’t want these problems. People know from the fans that I try,” said Keyshawn.
Champions did not mention Keyshawn for these reasons:
- Not Popular: Keyshawn is not a PPV attraction. Although he sells tickets in his hometown of Norfolk, the champions don’t want to give him that advantage.
- Huge for weight class: Keyshawn looks massive after rehydration, like a welterweight. Younger fighters like Keyshawn are able to wrestle below their natural weight class.
- Controversial Loss Potential: With all the hype and money being poured into Keyshawn’s career, there is the potential to lose a controversial decision against him. None of the champions want to lose their titles against a fighter who is hyped like crazy.
