Boxing’s Davis brothers – Keyshawn, Kelvin and Keon – are prepared to take Norfolk, Virginia, by storm when they fight in a homecoming bout for the first time in their careers at Scope Arena on Nov. 8.
While lightweight Keyshawn (11-0, 7 KOs) is preparing to take on Gustavo Lemos, his older brother, Kelvin (13-0, 7 KOs), is billed to fight Yeis Solano (15-3, 10 KOs) in a junior welterweight eight-rounder. Their younger brother, Keon, will make his pro debut in a four-round welterweight contest against a yet-to-be-named opponent.
Ahead of the Davis family’s eventful night, Kelvin described the feeling as a dream come true as he hopes to follow in the footsteps of Hall of Famer Pernell Whitaker. The late Whittaker made Norfolk proud during his heyday by winning world titles in four weight classes.
“This is truly a blessing. We definitely talked about this when we were kids,” Kelvin said. “We dreamed about it – and it’s finally here. It hasn’t hit me yet. We’re really bringing it to Norfolk, 757. It hasn’t been done since ‘Sweet Pea’ Pernell Whitaker. And we’re trying to follow what he set for us. We’ve got his family out here supporting us. And his legacy will live out through us.
“‘Sweet Pea’ used to come to the amateur fights and watch us. He would watch the amateur talent. And he would give us a few pointers after our fights. He would tell us things to get better. That was a blessing to have a legend watch us fight as an amateur.”
Kelvin, 27, began the year with a second-round TKO win over Mario Lozano in March. Four months later, he recorded a majority decision victory over Kevin Johnson on Top Rank’s July 6 undercard, which featured Keyshawn facing Miguel Madueno. If anything, he expects an even more emphatic result against Solano.
“You can expect fireworks,” Kelvin said. “We’re fighting at home. And I’m really comfortable at home. So whoever comes in this territory is getting knocked out.”
Keon, although steps behind his brothers, welcomes the chance to walk the same path for at least a night – one that leads through the Davises’ hometown.
“This is a great opportunity,” he said. “It’s going to be a great night. I’m going to make my pro debut. I’m coming for the stoppage. I’m coming to knock somebody out. I feel like this is the perfect time to turn pro. My brother is doing his first homecoming, and I feel like it would be perfect to turn pro on the same card as them. It’s going to be great.”
Bernard Neequaye is a sports journalist with a specialty in boxing coverage. He wrote a boxing column titled “From The Ringside” in his native Ghana for years. He can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) at @BernardNeequaye, LinkedIn at Bernard Neequaye and through email at [email protected].
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