ESPN awarded the "Rookie of the Year" title to Keyshawn Davis among the best in the boxing world in 2022. This is an ambitious young fighter, but Davis is not satisfied with the small achievements he has achieved so far.
html The 123-year-old Davis is extremely talented and skilled. He was nicknamed "Businessman" by the media, which shows his wisdom in the game. When he learned that he was named Rookie of the Year, Davis was very humble and said that he did not expect to receive this honor.
Davis said: "I'm amazed because there's a lot of great talent here and just really happy to be recognized. I'm not going to rest on my laurels and next year will be focused on being a contender and I feel like I've gotten to that point so I'm really happy and feel like there's bigger fish to fry."
In the past 2022, Davis has completed 3 games, with a career record of 7 wins and 5 KOs. However, due to a period of rest due to injuries, he did not complete the goal he set. But even so, Davis is improving in every game and can easily defeat his opponents. For this reason, his promoter Bob Arum said frankly that due to Davis’s rapid progress, he had to arrange more tests for him. He also revealed that one of Davis’ great joys is that he likes challenges.
Davis said: "If the opponent does not give me too much challenge, then you need to step up yourself. If you maintain the current level, it will be too easy for me."
Earlier this month, Davis faced former two-time world boxing champion challenger Juan Carlos Burgos (35-6-3). The latter had considerable experience, but he lost every round in front of Davis. Davis won his first championship title after turning to a professional boxer - WBO Intercontinental lightweight boxing championship gold belt.
Davis said: "Burgos is the toughest opponent I have faced so far, and I beat him very badly. When we stepped into the ring together, I was completely in control of the situation."
As a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, Davis hopes to change from a potential competitor to a real competitor in 2023, putting himself in a position to hit the world championship.
Davis said: "I will definitely be a real competitor next year and hopefully have a mandatory challenge for a certain gold belt . Once I really solidify my name, I will bring a new style and spark to the sport. On and off the ring." , I think it will be noticed, now I am waiting for the opportunity, when I get there, people will see what happens.”
Due to his style, experience and other reasons, some media have already regarded Davis as the “next Mayweather”. Davis had something to say about this. He said that he did draw on the skills of Floyd Mayweather in his studies, but at the same time, he also drew on each other's strengths when training with his friends Shakur Stevenson and Terrence Crawford.
Davis said: "Many people said that in my last game, my style was very similar to Mayweather. I don't think I am like Mayweather, but I definitely absorbed some of his strategies and moves. I just borrowed more from Stevenson's style, which is defensive skills. Stevenson is one of the best defensive boxers in the boxing world today."
Davis added: "While training with Stevenson and Crawford, we had actual fights with each other. This experience showed how great my early career was and gave me a rare learning opportunity that I will never forget."
Davis is from Norfolk, Virginia, USA. The most legendary boxing champion born in this area is undoubtedly the late 4-level world champion "Sweet Pea" Burnell Whittaker.Davis said that he has no intention of becoming the second Mayweather, but he would rather become the second Whittaker.
Davis said: "You have to be independent, smart, and grow up quickly. If you can find a way to be comfortable in Norfolk , then It's different. When you talk about boxing, you have to mention Whittaker in Norfolk. He and I are from the same country. I think if you leave, you are special no matter what. Whittaker is definitely one of them. If I can be a fighter like Whittaker, I will reach my full potential."
