Keyshawn Davis claimed his first world title last Friday, stopping Denys Berinchyk for the WBO lightweight belt in just four rounds, but many people are not impressed with that. Despite the strong performance, critics argue that Davis has taken the easy road by targeting weaker champions like Berinchyk instead of testing himself against top-tier threats. The Norfolk, Virginia native has also declined matchups against skilled opponents such as Andy Cruz, because as many think, he’s avoiding real challenges.
Some liken Davis’ career path to Adrien Broner’s strategy - collecting belts from beatable champs, producing trash-talk headlines, and bypassing the toughest competition. Yes, it has boosted Davis’ profile, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll ever face elite fighters like Gervonta Davis or Vasily Lomachenko. Many fans suspect those lightweight stars want no part of a near-junior-middleweight competitor once Keyshawn rehydrates, but Davis’ critics point out that he’s never made a serious push to fight them, either.
At 25, Davis faces a potential weight dilemma. He may soon outgrow lightweight, yet the super lightweight division doesn’t offer many high-profile names beyond Teofimo Lopez. Some insiders believe a Davis-Lopez clash could be pay-per-view material, but there’s no sign that "The Businessman" is pressing for that fight. Instead, he’s repeatedly suggested his main aim is making money, hinting that legacy-building matchups might not be top priority.
His mindset has prompted heated debate in boxing circles about whether Davis is sacrificing a shot at true greatness. Detractors say he’s squandering the competitive drive showcased by legendary fighters in their early 20s. Supporters note that Davis is still young, with time to change course and prove himself. Will he eventually confront the likes of Andy Cruz or Teofimo Lopez, or will he stick to carefully chosen foes, chasing hefty checks at the expense of his full potential? For now, the jury is out.
Get to know more about Keyshawn here.
Image Credit: Sky Sports