Keyshawn Davis had made a close to flawless begin to his skilled profession after 9 fights and 9 wins. The 2020 Olympic Light-weight silver medallist is tipped for excellent issues however hit a bump within the street in opposition to Nahir Albright 4 months in the past. Having gained by majority determination Davis then examined constructive for marijuana afterwards. The 24-year-old was hit with a 90-day suspension by the Texas Boxing Fee and noticed his win over Albright modified to a no-decision. On Thursday (February 8) Davis is again within the ring in opposition to veteran Jose Pedraza. Boxing Information spoke to Davis about that suspension, his skilled improvement, Pedraza and extra.
Interview by Shaun Brown
BN: How would you assess the three years you’ve had thus far in your profession and your personal improvement?
KD: I really feel like High Rank did a fantastic job of growing me. They put me in marquee fights on nice playing cards. I’ve fought on Heisman Trophy weekend two instances already, now I’m preventing in Tremendous Bowl [week]. High Rank put me on these proper playing cards, so I’m undoubtedly joyful about that, I bought no complaints about that in any respect. Me growing contained in the ring, once more High Rank have the very best matchmaking. They assist me prepare at a quick tempo due to their matchmaking. And the rationale I’m preventing Jose Pedraza proper now’s due to the matchmaking and each combat made since. Every combat I get out the ring like, “Ooh, that was enjoyable. I like that, that was good matchmaking.” I at all times give them credit score. I respect how they do issues, I recognise, and I’m going to present respect as a result of that’s the kind of particular person I’m. Shout out to High Rank for actual.
BN: Having had such a stellar novice profession what are the largest variations you’ve observed within the skilled ranks?
KD: I really feel like individuals are much more delicate within the professionals. Once I was novice, I’d do a number of the identical issues that I’m doing professional and folks [have] simply taken it to excessive measures. I wouldn’t have by no means thought it will have been that manner. And after I do sure stuff, I’d be like, “Rattling, I want I’d by no means carried out that.” I might have by no means recognized people who find themselves recording my [Instagram] stay and placing it on YouTube and make pretend media out of it. Saying issues that I actually didn’t say or the caption [they make]. I really feel like since I turned professional I gotta watch what I say so much. Simply a number of pretend media occurring out right here. That’s outdoors the ring stuff. However contained in the ring I might say it’s extra enjoyable, it’s much more enjoyable since you get extra alternative to show your abilities but additionally you don’t gotta rush with the issues that you just do. You may sluggish it down; you’ll be able to perceive the combat recreation so much higher now that you just’re knowledgeable. It’s enjoyable, a number of enjoyable.
BN: Did you discover it robust to bounce again after the suspension you obtained for testing constructive for marijuana following your combat in opposition to Nahir Albright?
KD: I’ll hold it actual; I used to be joyful they suspended me. After they suspended me, I used to be like okay, I simply purchased my home. So, now I’ve bought time to repair up my home and do issues I must do with my brand-new home that I simply purchased. First-time dwelling purchaser, 24 years outdated, so I’m enthusiastic about that. My little brother, he was preventing within the Olympic Trials, so I get to go see him compete within the Olympic Trials which Keon gained. And the week after my huge brother Kelvin Davis was preventing in Florida. So, I bought to expertise issues I didn’t suppose I used to be going to have the ability to get to. I used to be like fuck it I’ll take it as blessing in disguise and stay my life.
BN: So, your subsequent combat is in opposition to Jose Pedraza. What risk does he current to you?
KD: He bought expertise. Quick, sturdy, hits exhausting however I don’t see nothing until I get within the ring with him. Trying on digital camera I don’t see any bodily threats he brings however he has expertise and I do know he bought IQ, I do know he know how one can arrange pictures. I do know he know how one can stroll you into a number of pictures that the opposite fighters couldn’t predict within the ring. I need to see how good he’s in there after I combat him. I’m a really, very good fighter. Honesty, I don’t see anybody smarter than me out right here within the 135lbs division and its gonna present after I combat Jose Pedraza. I simply wanna see how good he’s and see if he can stroll me into pictures and see if the little issues, he does truly work on me. I don’t suppose they’ll, however I like the combat. This combat gonna carry a problem and produce the very best out in me.
BN: I learn in an interview that you just consider beating Pedraza makes you a essential occasion fighter. Who would you want that essential occasion to be in opposition to sooner or later?
KD: I might actually like to combat [Emanuel] Navarrete. He’s preventing [Denys] Baranchyk for the WBO [lightweight] title. I used to be additionally calling out [Vasyl] Lomachenko, the winner of Lomachenko and [George] Kambosos. Who wouldn’t wish to combat Lomachenko. He’s a fantastic fighter with a fantastic following. However me simply being sensible I’m ranked increased within the WBO and Navarrete’s preventing for the WBO. I might like to combat Navarrete.
BN: How do you see Lomachenko-Kambosos enjoying out?
KD: I believe Lomachenko is certainly gonna win. I bought a number of respect for Kambosos and y’all gonna see the very best outta Kambosos, actually. However I believe Lomachenko’s gonna win. General, he’s the higher fighter.
BN: I additionally learn you’re wanting to combat Floyd Schofield. Is there a rivalry between the 2 of you or is it merely a need to combat him?
KD: I simply really feel like that’d be a enjoyable combat. That’d be a combat to advertise simply. However actually, I’m simply seeking to catch larger fish on the market.
BN: How do you see 2024 going for you? Do you anticipate by the top of it to be preventing for a world title?
KD: After I knock Pedraza out which is able to look great, a world title’s undoubtedly across the nook.
BN: And at last, what’s your ideas on the present state of the light-weight division?
KD: A lotta folks is transferring out of light-weight. We bought Isaac Cruz preventing at 140, Shakur [Stevenson] retired. Tank [Davis] preventing in all sort of divisions, by no means know when he gonna come again to boxing. Teofimo [Lopez] and Ryan Garcia are at 140. Truthfully, the ’35 division nonetheless has a number of fighters there nevertheless it’s not as widespread because it was once. I’m simply joyful that I’m nonetheless right here and if all of the rain involves me then presumably, I could make a number of huge fights occur beginning with this Jose Pedraza combat. Hopefully we get Navarrete by the top of this 12 months.
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