Gustavo Lemos stands within the heart of the ring after stopping Javier Clavero – Photograph by Nelson Quispe/Boxeo de Primera
Argentina’s Gustavo Lemos has had his share of ups and down in weight, like most fighters looking for their heart.
At one level he was the No. 1 contender for the IBF belt at 135 kilos and he needed to forego that chance resulting from his incapacity to make weight. However now, after two fights at 140 and a 1-1 document together with an in depth resolution loss in his first time overseas, Lemos is on the best way again to 135, a weight class he claims he by no means left, to face rising contender Keyshawn Davis in a 10-round essential occasion on Friday, Nov. 8, at Scope Enviornment in Norfolk, Virginia.
“I’m a light-weight,” claims Lemos (29-1, 19 knockouts) throughout a cellphone interview. “In my final combat we had been OK and nicely beneath the divisional restrict, and when this chance got here up at 135 we took it as a result of we knew we had been going to have the ability to make this weight. I received this chance to combat on this class the place I really feel stronger, and we’re going to make a distinction right here. I consider we’re going to be robust for this light-weight combat. Davis will certainly really feel the facility.”
Lemos is returning to the light-weight division for the primary time in over two years. He final fought at 135 kilos in March 2022 when he stopped British former world champion Lee Selby in 5 rounds in Buenos Aires’ fabled Luna Park Stadium entrance of his hometown followers. However then it took him greater than a yr to return to motion, amid claims of cancelled fights and incapacity to make 135 anymore. He lastly had his comeback in December 2023, stopping Javier Jose Clavero within the opening spherical and setting the stage for his American debut in April.
Though that combat didn’t go his approach, he absolutely earned various followers together with his come-forward perspective and his punching energy.
“We did nice final time,” mentioned the 28-year-old Lemos about his first foray overseas, which came about towards Richardson Hitchins again in April in Las Vegas. “Now that we’ve some expertise with this I consider we’ll really feel extra snug. Clearly we’re all the time in international territory, nevertheless it’s not an issue for me. As soon as I get into the ring my persona modifications 100%. I combat the identical approach I might combat in my very own yard.”
The combat towards Hitchins was an IBF junior welterweight world title eliminator, which hinted at a change of division for Lemos, however he’s now on the brink of drop 5 additional kilos to tackle a legit light-weight contender and U.S. Olympic silver medalist.
Lemos seems to be unimpressed by these credentials.
“I don’t examine my opponents, I by no means studied something from my opponents. I do know he went to the Olympics, and that he’s doing nicely. He thinks he’s one of the best within the division, or he feels he’ll be one of the best in the future. However first he’ll should undergo me,” mentioned Lemos, who doesn’t see Davis’ top and attain benefits as troubling both.
Gustavo Lemos (left) strikes in for the kill towards Lee Selby (proper) in Buenos Aires, Argentina on March twenty sixth – Photograph by Juan Montani
“I’m used to combat taller guys. Hitchins was a lot taller than me and had an even bigger body, and a few punching energy. Let’s hope that (Davis) will come to combat, as a substitute of getting on the bike within the first few rounds and run away from me. I hope we can provide the followers an excellent present.”
With the heartbreak of the Hitchins combat nonetheless contemporary in his reminiscence, Lemos claims that he’s nonetheless as centered on this combat as he must be.
“It motivates me to coach tougher,” mentioned Lemos about his solely defeat to this point. “We’re coaching exhausting and in good conscience. We’re not stopping, and we’re glad to have gotten the decision once more from Prime Rank. I had plenty of assist from my household and from lots of people who noticed me successful, not solely in Argentina. The defeat didn’t have an effect on me, it’s only a quantity on a board proper now. Clearly, after the combat one thinks about all of what we might have carried out. We had been in good situation however Hitchins fought an excellent combat, and that’s all.”
Ought to Lemos beat Davis, he’ll have to be in one of the best form of his life if he really desires to deal with the challenges that he has in thoughts for the long run.
“We really feel that after we win this combat we are able to go after one of the best identified fighters, like (Vasyl) Lomachenko, or (George) Kambosos (Jr.). However first we’ve to take this check,” mentioned Lemos. “First, I’ve to maintain Davis. After that, the fights will come alongside. I simply hope it’s an excellent combat and individuals are glad with the job we’re going to do.”
Davis (11-0, 7 KOs), rated at No. 7 by The Ring at light-weight, started the yr with a sixth-round TKO of former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza. 5 months later, he dominated Mexican puncher Miguel Madueño over 10 rounds. He now makes his headlining debut in a homecoming occasion that may even characteristic his older brother, rising junior welterweight Kelvin “Evening Evening” Davis (13-0, 7 KOs), preventing Yeis Solano (15-3, 10 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Keyshawn’s youthful brother, U.S. Olympic Trials champion Keon Davis, will make his professional debut in a four-round welterweight contest.
Your entire Davis–Lemos card will stream stay and completely within the U.S. on ESPN+.
Diego M. Morilla has been writing for The Ring since 2013. He has additionally written for HBO.com, ESPN.com and lots of different magazines, web sites, newspapers and retailers since 1993. He’s a full member of the Boxing Writers Affiliation of America and an elector for the Worldwide Boxing Corridor of Fame. He has received two first-place awards within the BWAA’s annual writing contest, and he’s the moderator of The Ring’s Girls’s Rankings Panel. He served as copy editor for the second period of The Ring en Español (2018-2020) and is presently a author and editor for RingTV.com.
Observe @MorillaBoxing
