WBO world lightweight champion Keyshawn Davis is gearing up for a maiden title defence against Edwin De Los Santos this Saturday. But earlier this year, the American offered an insight into his mindset, both before and after dethroning Denys Berinchyk, while speaking with Sean Anderson.
FIGHTS are won in training camp, but they can just as easily be lost in the final days before stepping in the ring.
The pressure of face-offs, weigh-ins and even last-minute mind games can break the strongest of fighters, throwing months of meticulous training out of the window.
Boxing News had the rare opportunity to speak with Keyshawn Davis throughout this tense stretch and in the aftermath of his world title challenge against Denys Berinchyk.
Ten days before departing Las Vegas for New York, Davis didn’t seem his normal self.
Typically, excitable and full of energy, this version of Davis was beyond relaxed.
“This is a world title fight, but honestly, it’s just the same old, same old. Nothing changes. Church every Sunday, back to work on Monday,” Davis said quietly.
“I feel strong, I feel ready. I haven’t had much of a gap between camps, but I’m young, I’m fresh, and I’m just looking forward to heading to New York next Sunday.”
Never one to lack confidence, Davis made a bold prediction amid the calm demeanor.
“Don’t be surprised if I knock him out in the first round. I don’t think he’ll be the best fighter I’ve faced, but we’ll see. This is just the beginning of a busy 2025.”
Upon touching down on the East Coast, I caught up with Davis before the whirlwind of media obligations began. His energy was electric, a stark contrast to days prior.
“Oh man, there’s just a different energy now,” he said after fulfilling promotional duties with Berinchyk at the World Trade Center.
“This is my third fight at MSG [Madison Square Garden] as a pro. I made my Top Rank debut here. But seeing my face on the billboards? It’s surreal. I can’t wait to headline my first show.
“I love New York. My family is from Long Island, so I feel right at home here. Now, it’s all about saving my energy for Friday night and delivering that first-round knockout.”
Shortly after our conversation, things took an unexpected turn. At the press conference the following day, Davis accused Berinchyk of sending bananas and a watermelon to his hotel room, something the Ukrainian declined to comment on.
Tensions escalated further a day later at the weigh-in, where Berinchyk shoved Davis off the stage.
To outsiders, it may have seemed like Davis was rattled, playing right into his opponent’s hands. But after the weigh-in, he was quick to shut down any doubts.
“I’m all good,” Davis assured. “When I first saw the delivery, I was a little caught off guard, but I wasn’t angry, just surprised someone would go that far. I addressed it at yesterday’s press conference and that was that.”
As for the shove at the weigh-in, Davis shrugged it off. “I was fine. I just wanted to get my get-back, for real. But it doesn’t change anything. I was always going to f*** him up and I still am. I just can’t wait to fight. It’s time to become a world champion.”
Twenty-four hours later Davis dominated, knocking out Berinchyck with a vicious body shot in the fourth round.
It was a one-sided affair. When I spoke with him afterwards and referred to him as “the lightweight champion of the world,” he grinned from ear to ear as we revisited events.
“I always get a little nervous when I put on my gloves, but I knew it was my time to become a world champion. And I had to do it impressively.
“The atmosphere was electric and it was mostly sold out. MSG already wants me back. We’re taking it to the big arena next.”
Reflecting on the fight, Davis recalled, “I don’t remember exactly when his nose started bleeding, but once I saw it, I knew the stoppage was coming soon. I hit him with a hook early and knew I was breaking him down.
“When the crowd started chanting the Norfolk chant, I told myself, ‘I gotta knock him out right now.’ And when I did, it was crazy.”
After achieving a lifelong dream, Davis certainly hasn’t gone overboard with the celebrations.
“I went to Long Island to see my family. That’s my kind of fun, being around loved ones where I can just be myself. That’s what I did Saturday. Cooking, good food, great family vibes.”
As we looked ahead to the rest of 2025, he has no intention of resting on his laurels.
“I’m trying to fight at least two more times this year, maybe even three. It’s not like my last few fights have gone long.”
There’s no doubt exciting times lie ahead for Davis and the entire lightweight division. Gervonta Davis, Teofimo Lopez, Vasily Lomachenko, Davis will be confident he can take on any of them. Looking back, Davis now suspects it was in fact Lopez that sent the fruit delivery.
