Keyshawn Davis: Aiming for a First-Round Finish and a World Title

Keyshawn Davis is determined to secure a first-round victory against Denys Berinchyk when they clash at the Madison Square Garden Theater. This fight marks Davis’s first opportunity to challenge for a world title.

Davis, an Olympic silver medalist from the Tokyo Games, recognizes the challenge posed by Berinchyk, a seasoned professional and fellow Olympic silver medalist from London 2012. Berinchyk currently holds the WBO lightweight world championship, earned through a notable win against Emanuel Navarrete.

Despite Berinchyk’s experience and title, Davis is confident in his ability to end the fight quickly.

Davis’s Confidence

“I just feel like I’m capable of doing it and I can do it,” Davis stated. He referenced his recent second-round knockout victory over Gustavo Lemos as evidence of his finishing ability. “I got a second-round knockout [in his last fight against Gustavo Lemos], why can’t I go for the first round?”

Davis acknowledges that Berinchyk presents a different challenge but remains resolute in his ambition to dominate the fight from the outset. “It’s a different opponent of course, super different style. But I feel like I’m capable of doing it this fight.”

Respect for Berinchyk

Davis recognizes Berinchyk’s skills and accomplishments. “He’s a silver medallist like myself,” Davis said. “Now he’s a world champion. He’s coming off his best win, Navarrete. Everybody counted him out of that fight and he showed everybody up.”

Davis is prepared for a tough fight but believes he has the edge. “He thinks he’s going to do the same thing against me so I’ve got to go in there and just close the show from the first round until whatever round I do stop him in. But I do think I can stop him in the first round, honestly speaking.”

Davis describes himself as “The Businessman,” suggesting a strategic approach to his fighting style. “Berinchyk is a tough fighter but he’s fighting ‘The Businessman’.”

He believes he can adapt to any style. “I feel like I can take advantage of any style,” Davis continued. “He has an aggressive style but he really wants to counterpunch you.”

Davis is aware of Berinchyk’s tactics. “He wants to keep you uncomfortable, stay in your face, make you miss, make you pay. It might look awkward and weird but he’s thinking before every movement. You’ve got to be smart in there with someone like him.”

Future Prospects

Winning the lightweight title could open doors for Davis to participate in high-profile fights. However, he is not optimistic about a potential match against Gervonta Davis.

“I would love to fight, at 135lbs, the face of boxing. But I feel like he is just too scared to be open to fight an A class fighter. I can’t set my eyes on him because he’s so all over the place,” Davis suggested.

Davis expressed interest in fighting Isaac Cruz. “I would love to fight Isaac Cruz,” he added. “He’s a dog, I’m a dog. We both want to be fighting.”

Fighting at Madison Square Garden

Davis is excited to compete at Madison Square Garden, a venue with a rich boxing history. “I know I’ve got the talent and the ability to be one of those legends. So it’s not like I’m hoping to be something I know I can become,” he said. “All I’ve got to do is stay on this path. Keep winning, keep knocking people out.”

Racism Allegation

Leading up to the fight, there was controversy as Davis accused Berinchyk of sending him a box of bananas and a watermelon, which Davis perceived as a racist act. Top Rank, the promotional company, condemned the action and expressed support for Davis.

Davis said: “I wanna address the fact that this guy came to America to give me bananas and a watermelon with a note on it. It’s unprofessional, and I feel like it’s racist, and you just made this fight a little more personal.

“You all heard what I said: this man brought a box of bananas and a watermelon to America to bring to my room, and I just took it as racist.”

Berinchyk denied the accusation, with his promoter Alex Krassyuk translating his response: “First thing I wanna say is that I don’t speak English and I don’t write English. I saw his message on the media. It’s weird even to mention this. Some people with bad intentions, looking for some hype, made this…”

Davis responded: “He ain’t say all that. Look, y’all did it, it’s okay that y’all did it, I’m gonna whoop your ass for it. So, just come Friday night.”

Top Rank stated: “Top Rank is appalled and disgusted by the actions of individual(s) that delivered the package to Keyshawn Davis. These actions are contrary to the foundation of Top Rank. There is no place for this in sports or society. Keyshawn has our full support.”

Fight Results

Keyshawn Davis defeated Denys Berinchyk by a fourth-round knockout.