Heavy Duty Homecoming for Keyshawn Davis Friday

The good news: the homecoming fight for Norfolk native Keyshawn Davis is still a go tonight.

The bad news: while opponent Gustavo Lemos made the Friday morning second day weigh-in rehydration limit, he will still be the much bigger man in the ring tonight at the sold-out Scope Arena in Norfolk.

The card airs tonight on ESPN Plus beginning at 6:20 p.m. ET/3:20 p.m. PT.

Someone should have seen this coming. Lemos of Argentina (29-1, 19 KOs) hasn’t fought at 135 pounds since 2022. Nevertheless, Lemos agreed to make the lightweight limit. The risk of tanking this fight and perhaps the card falls on him. Professionals make weight, end of discussion.

Keyshawn Davis made the limit at 134.2 pounds. Lemos originally weighed 141.4 pounds, but stayed under the agreed on 146 pound limit today at 144.6 pounds.

Did Davis Make The Right Call Moving Forward?

Keyshawn Davis will fight an opponent a full weight class above him. Will it be another Haney vs Garcia? Photo: Mikey Williams, Top Rank Boxing

Lightweight prospect and U.S. Olympic silver medalist Davis (11-0, 7 KOs) agreed to the rehydration deal, and he will take a serious bite out of Lemos’s purse. But he also risks a rough outing against Lemos, a power puncher whose only loss was in his last bout by decision against Richardson Hitchins.

It was Lemos’s first fight outside Argentina in the United States. He’s faced limited opposition in Argentina, with only British fighter Lee Selby a recognized name.

The remaining head scratcher: why didn’t Top Rank have a backup opponent in the wings on the undercard for Davis?

Davis understands the importance of not merely winning but looking good.

“It’s not going to be beautiful. There’s going to be blood everywhere. His nose might be a little lopsided after. But, I respect you, Gustavo. You are an amazing fighter. I appreciate you for taking the fight in my hometown, but I’m going to f**k you up.”

Lemos replied, ““I respect all my opponents, whether they are good or bad. I wish him good luck on Friday, and tell him to be careful.”

It’s rare on this website I state a personal preference for an outcome. I hope Davis is good to his word and thrashes Lemos for his trouble. He’ll be highly motivated to put on a crowd-pleasing performance.

Keyshawn Davis stopped Jose Pedraza for only the second time in the veteran’s pro career in February. Photo: Mikey Williams, Top Rank Boxing

Davis tops the most significant boxing card at the storied venue since Norfolk legend Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker defended his welterweight crown against Buddy McGirt in October 1994. Early in his boxing career, Whitaker worked with Davis.

With a victory, Davis enters the top echelon of the lightweight division and can turn up the heat on his career. Davis’ WBO International, IBF Intercontinental and WBC USA Lightweight titles will not be on the line for Lemos tonight.

In the middleweight co-feature, Washington DC native Troy Isley (13-0, 5 KOs) will also be motivated to put on a big show against Tyler Howard of Tennessee (20-1, 11 KOs). Isley has won his last three fights working with trainer Brian “BoMac” McIntyre.

Family Affair in Norfolk for Keyshawn Davis

Kelvin Davis, the older brother of Keyshawn Davis, takes on Yeis Solano. Photo: Mikey Williams, Top Rank Boxing

Keyshawn Davis’s two brothers join him on tonight’s card.

Junior welterweight contender Kelvin Davis (13-0, 7 KOs) will fight Yeis Solano of Colombia (15-3, 10 KOs) in an eight-round bout. Younger brother Keon Davis makes his professional debut in a four-round junior middleweight bout versus Jalen Moore of Irving, Texas. (1-1, 1 KO).

“This means a lot to all three of us and, of course, to the city,” said Davis. “There’s been a 30-year dry spell {of boxing}. And God had it written that we would come back to the city.

“We’re doing this in a major way. We’ve already sold 10,000 tickets, and we’re going to sell some more. It’s going to be a treat on Friday.”

Abdullah Mason Returns

Abdullah Mason would be a lock for Prospect of the Year with a win tonight over Yohan Vasquez. Photo: Mikey Williams, Top Rank Boxing

Abdullah Mason of Cleveland (15-0, 13 KOs) can seal his selection as Prospect of the Year with a victory over Yohan Vazquez of the Dominican Republic (26-5, 21 KOs). It is is fifth fight in 2024, and he is riding a five fight knockout streak. There is a lot of chatter about the poised 20-year-old Mason, and he could steal the show from the Davis brothers.