In a thrilling homecoming bout, Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis thrilled the crowd of 10,568 at Norfolk, Virginia with a dominant two-round destruction of Gustavo Lemos. The rising lightweight star needed just 1:08 of the second round to force the referee to halt the contest, sending a resounding message to the rest of the 135-pound division.
From the opening bell, the 25-year-old Davis (12-0, 8 KOs) showcased his superior hand speed and punching power, putting Lemos on the defensive. Despite Lemos coming in 6.4 pounds over the agreed-upon weight limit, Davis opted to proceed with the fight, unfazed by his opponent’s size advantage.
A Blistering Second Round
The second round saw Davis shift into another gear, flooring Lemos three times before the referee mercifully waved off the contest. A short right hand sent Lemos crashing to the canvas for the first knockdown. Moments later, a left hook deposited the Argentine back on the mat.
The end came swiftly as Davis unleashed a brutal combination, starting with a left hook to the body and culminating in a devastating right uppercut that left Lemos unable to continue. The emphatic victory improved Davis’ record to 12-0 with 8 knockouts.
“I didn’t know that right hand would put him down, but I did hit him flush right on the chin. Next thing I know I see him getting off the canvas… A world title definitely will be next. 2025, we got big, big plans.”
Keyshawn Davis post-fight
Olympic Pedigree
As an Olympic silver medalist, Davis has long been viewed as one of the brightest prospects in boxing. His amateur credentials and early professional success have many pundits predicting world title glory in his future.
Currently rated No. 6 in the lightweight division by ESPN, Davis could soon find himself challenging for a world championship. One potential opponent is Ukraine’s Denys Berinchyk, who recently upset Emanuel Navarrete to capture the WBO lightweight title.
A Second Straight Loss for Lemos
For Gustavo Lemos (29-2, 19 KOs), the loss to Davis marked his second consecutive defeat, having dropped a disputed decision to Richardson Hitchins in April. The 28-year-old from Buenos Aires will need to regroup and consider his future options in the talent-rich lightweight division.
What’s Next for Davis?
With another impressive victory under his belt, Keyshawn Davis appears poised for a breakthrough in the coming months. His promoter, Top Rank, will likely look to position him for a high-profile bout against a top contender or even a world title opportunity in the near future.
As Davis continues to hone his skills and build his resume, boxing fans can expect to see him in increasingly significant fights. With his combination of speed, power, and technical proficiency, the young lightweight has all the tools to become a major force in the sport for years to come.
