Error code: %{errorCode}
A homecoming fight fit for a champion only got more bizarre for Keyshawn Davis
What was supposed to be a homecoming fight celebration for Keyshawn Davis this weekend ended in embarrassment and downright shame.
After weighing in 4.3 pounds overweight Friday, Davis’ proposed main event fight against Edwin De Los Santos at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia was cancelled, stripping the former of his WBO lightweight world championship.
But things only grew more bizarre from there.
As rising sensation Abdullah Mason slid into the main event slot and was in the process of showing out on Davis’ home turf Saturday night, Nahir Albright alleged in an interview with ESPN’s Mark Kriegel that he was jumped backstage by Davis and his brother Keon Davis.
Albright, who produced a majority decision over their other brother Kelvin Davis in the co-feature, described the incident to Kriegel.
“Keyshawn (Davis) and his little brother (Keon) jumped me,” said Albright who was sporting a visible welt over his right eye that he claimed was caused by the incident. “They started walking up to me all tough, putting his head against mine and grabbed me.”
Albright lost a majority decision to Keyshawn Davis in October 2023, but the results were later changed to a no contest after “The Businessman” tested positive for marijuana.
“Keyshawn you gotta run it back with me in the ring,” Albright said, “not outside of the ring.”
Moments after Albright alleged the attack, Mason made short work of veteran Jeremia Nakathila as the bout came to a close just a second into the fifth round due to a doctor’s stoppage.
The victory marked an ironic turn of events for Mason (19-0, 17 KOs). There was a moment during Thursday’s press conference when Davis tried to bait Mason into fighting him next.
After Davis badly missed weight, though, the 21-year-old Mason shined in the first main event of his career and in the spot Davis should have held in front of his Norfolk faithful.
“Anything can happen in the sport of boxing and you gotta be ready for it,” Mason told ESPN following his victory.
What a disaster this week has been for Davis.
He had his city rallying behind him, with the mayor even declaring June 2-8, “Keyshawn Davis Week” in Norfolk.
This was supposed to be his first title defense after winning the championship via an emphatic fourth-round knockout of Denys Berinchyk just this past February.
So tipping the scales 4.3 pounds overweight and being forced to relinquish the title are already inexcusable for 'The Businessman.'
Having the homecoming fight cancelled was bad enough.
But being named in the allegations by Albright is even worse.
There is just no place for things like that in boxing, already the hurt business.
Across the pond in his own homecoming fight Saturday night, Fabio Wardley shocked Justis Huni via an electrifying 10th-round knockout to send the Ipswich, England crowd, and those watching on DAZN, into hysteria. That is how you become homecoming king.
Not by pulling a no show failing to chef up any home cooking.
Now stripped of the title, the 26-year-old Davis must learn from this situation and do much better, preferably at 140 pounds.
His sweet science skills are there. Better decisions have to be made from here for "The Businessman" to redeem himself and show growth.
Watch Usyk vs Dubois 2 exclusively live on DAZN PPV, Saturday, July 19. Buy the PPV now here.
