Does Keyshawn Davis Have To Stop Jose Pedraza?
Following a brief postponement, lightweight contender Keyshawn “The Businessman” Davis (9-0, 6 KO’s) will square off against two-division champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (29-5-1, 14 KO’s) on February 8. Naturally the younger, fresher Davis will be the heavy favorite going into the bout. He is ten years Pedraza’s junior and Pedraza hasn’t tasted victory since June 12, 2021.
Conversely, technically speaking, Davis had a very successful 2023 in which he scored three victories. Although, the third prizefight, versus Nahir Albright, was later reclassified as a No Content when it was later revealed that The Businessman was flagged for having marijuana in his system. His subsequent suspension directly led to the fight postponement.
LET’S DO IT AGAIN
Given his youth and skill, one has to ask: is simply beating the thirteen-year veteran sufficient or does Davis need to stop him within the distance? Despite having five losses on his ledger, Pedraza was only stopped once, in his first professional defeat at the hands of WBA 135-pound champion Abdul “Tank” Wahid by way of seventh round knockout.
Since that January 14, 2017 setback, none of his other victors could stop him before the end of the duration. That list includes Jose Zepeda, Jose Carlos Ramirez, Arnold Barboza Jr. and Vasiliy Lomachenko. It’s also common knowledge that Tank packs a wallop of a punch.
Now, in the twilight of his career, most will expect Davis, ranked #7 (IBF), #8 (WBO) and #10 (WBC), to best Pedraza. That is precisely why if he does not stop him, the win could easily be dismissed by more pessimistic observers. Yet, if The Businessman can do what only Tank has been able to previously, this may cause more of the stir he is aiming for.
SET THE BAR
A solid win at the top of the year would certainly go a long way to setting the tone that he wants for 2024. With boxing being boxing, knockout or not, it’s imperative for Keyshawn Davis to get the victory and look good doing it. Alternatively, following a loss or less than stellar performance, and the fans can get real finicky, real fast!
So, let’s see what actually happens when Davis and Pedraza collide in the ring on February 8. Will the status quo play out, or will Pedraza look to have one more day in the sun at The Businessman’s expense? Either way, 3Kings Boxing will be here to report the news.
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