San Juan, Puerto Rico – Keyshawn Davis is a fighter who is making waves in the boxing world.
On February 14th, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the pride of Norfolk, Virginia, was crowned the World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight world champion when he defeated in resounding fashion then-champion Denys Berinchyk of Ukraine by a fourth-round knockout.
Berinchyk had previously been crowned champion by split decision over Mexican Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete in a bout held in San Diego.
This afternoon, in San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital, the WBO, chaired by Gustavo Olivieri, officially presented Davis with his world belt, which is engraved with his name, the place, and the date of the fight in which he was crowned world champion.
WBO President Gustavo Olivieri Miranda:
“Keyshawn is a very special fighter. I’ll tell you a story. In his last fight in New York, in February, where he became world champion at 135 pounds, Terence Crawford pulled me aside and said, ‘Gustavo, Keyshawn is going to be the next star after I retire, and just as you have been loyal to me and have given me that love and affection every time I go to Puerto Rico, you should do the same with Keyshawn.’ Later, when Keyshawn won the fight, Bob Arum told me that he will be the longest-reigning WBO champion in my career as president and will be the next Sugar Ray Leonard and the face of this company for the future.”
Keyshawn Davis, WBO lightweight world champion:
“Since I arrived in Puerto Rico, I’ve been given a warm welcome. I feel like Puerto Rico is my second home. I’d love to return and spend time with the people again; they’re very special. I’ve received tremendous support, and I want to show my love and support in return. I appreciate the WBO, Gustavo, Paco, and the entire WBO family for making me their champion, and I’m excited for the years to come. I will be the organization’s best champion; I will prove it, and I want you to join me on this journey.”
Photos by V. Planas WBO
