Keyshawn Davis makes his second appearance of 2025, and defends his WBO lightweight title for the first time this Saturday at Scope Arena in Norfolk, as he faces former world title challenger, Edwin De Los Santos on home turf.
Bob Arum’s Top Rank promote Davis vs De Los Santos and the card can be seen on ESPN+ the USA, while a UK broadcaster has not been announced.
Davis (13-0, 9 KOs) steadily rose his stock in 2024, stopping former world champion Jose Pedraza in February, and then the 26-year-old clearly outscored Miguel Madueno, before crushing Gustavo Lemos in two rounds in November.
That led to a shot at the WBO world title in February against Denys Berinchyk, a fighter who was coming off a win over Emanuel Navarrete, but ‘The Businessman’ came of age, blasting out the Ukrainian in the fourth round to be crowned world champion in just 13 fights.
Now comes the challenge of De Los Santos (16-2, 14 KOs), a Dominican who is coming off a spirited challenge for the WBC title in his last fight.
The 25-year-old southpaw faced the talented Shakur Stevenson, and although he dropped a decision, he gave a good account of himself, and will look to go one better here.
That was in November 2023 though, and De Los Santos hasn’t been seen since.
Prediction: The lay-off for De Los Santos won’t help his cause here, and I expect Davis to clearly retain by wide margins on the scorecards.
Davis’ brother faces Albright
Keyshawn’s brother Kelvin Davis (15-0, 8 KOs) is in action, and the super lightweight takes on his first ten-round assignment against Nahir Albright.
Albright (16-2, 7 KOs) was last out at the back end of 2023, losing a close decision to the aforementioned Keyshawn Davis that was changed to a no-contest after Davis failed a post-fight test for marijuana.
Prediction: Davis can extend his undefeated record here with a points win.
Mason meets Nakathila, Johnson battles Bocachica
Lightweight prospect Abdullah Mason (18-0, 16 KOs) can take an early win once again, this time against Jeremia Nakathila (26-4, 21 KOs), and at welterweight, Delante Johnson (15-0, 7 KOs) may need the distance to take victory against Janelson Figueroa Bocachica (17-3-1, 11 KOs).
Remaining Undercard
Middleweight hope Troy Isley (14-0, 5 KOs) should be a points winner against Etoundi Michel William (16-1, 12 KOs).
Also at middleweight, Euri Cedeno (11-0-1, 10 KOs) should secure a stoppage over Abel Mina (18-3-1, 9 KOs).
At lightweight, Deric Davis (6-0, 6 KOs) can win early against Naheem Parker (5-2, 2 KOs), and Keon Davis (3-0, 2 KOs), brother of Keyshawn and Kelvin, should take a points victory over Michael A. Velez-Garcia (3-0, 2 KOs) in their welterweight clash.
Cruiserweight debutant Patrick O’Connor should start pro life with a stoppage win against Marcus Smith (2-1, 2 KOs) in their four-round affair.
