U.S Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (9-0, 6 KOs) will be aiming for his tenth victory as he faces former two-division world champion Jose ‘Sniper’ Pedraza (29-5-1, 14 KOs) in a ten-round chief support bout on Thursday, February 8th at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.
(Courtesy: Mikey Williams/Top Rank)
Promotional company Top Rank is providing a stepping stone for the 24-year-old Keyshawn ‘The Businessman’ by pitting him against the 34-year-old Pedraza. The hope is that Keyshawn will pass this test and pave his way towards a world title fight.
With Shakur Stevenson’s retirement, the WBC lightweight title could potentially become available for Keyshawn to seize.
Pursuing Another Knockout?
“I aim to defeat Pedraza. He has only been stopped once by another Davis [Gervonta], so he’s facing a different generation, Davis,” expressed Keyshawn Davis to the media, discussing his upcoming fight against former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza on Thursday, February 8th, airing on ESPN from Las Vegas.
The only time Pedraza has suffered a knockout in his 13-year professional career was in 2017 when Gervonta Davis stopped him in the seventh round. If Keyshawn can secure a knockout victory, it would be quite impressive, especially if he can achieve it in a quicker time than Tank.
Pedraza has not won a fight since 2021, which spans three years, indicating that he is not the same fighter that Gervonta defeated many years ago. Although he still possesses skill, his age and suitability for the 135-lb division are questionable.
Excitement, Battle, and the “Businessman”
“I always bring thrilling fights to boxing. Pedraza has also delivered numerous exciting fights to the sport, and he’s doing it again. However, this time he’s facing a young assassin. So, anticipate an outstanding performance from ‘The Businessman’,” remarked Keyshawn, whose nickname is ‘The Businessman.’
“I’m prepared to fight because I already know what’s going to unfold. He’s another opponent who is coming to win, and I relish that. Let’s fight. Finally, I’m facing a fighter who can truly fight.
“He’s genuinely going to test me. Whatever game plan he has, it will challenge me. Every time someone challenges me, I rise to the occasion [except in the 2020 Olympics against Andy Cruz]. This is a fight that I absolutely have to have, and you will witness my true abilities.
“I can’t wait to see what he brings because it will be a tough battle for him,” Keyshawn commented about Pedraza.