The Davis brothers, known as DB3, are hoping to light up Norfolk, Virginia, as hometown hero and 2020 U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis steps into the spotlight for his first headline event at Scope Arena on Friday.
The showcase could mark the beginning of a new era, one where Keyshawn and his brothers become the cornerstone of future marquee events in their city.
Kelvin steps up in competition against junior welterweight Yeis Gabriel Solano, Keon makes his professional debut at junior middleweight against Jalen Moore, and Keyshawn headlines the event against Gustavo Lemos in a lightweight bout that could catapult him into title contention.
Keyshawn, 25, noted the importance of the event, which marks a significant moment for Norfolk’s boxing scene – the first in 30 years since the days of Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker.
Keyshawn was elated to announce the event’s popularity, stating: “I am definitely going to be in tune with Keon and Kelvin. I am going to be turning them up, just like how they are going to be turning me up. We feed off each other’s energy.”
Keyshawn, 11-0 (7 KOs), faces Lemos, 28, of Argentina, who has a 29-1 (19 KOs) record and is coming off a disputed unanimous decision loss to Richardson Hitchins.
Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander, who attended the press conference, said: “They are building a boxing program in the city of Norfolk. Thirty years ago, Pernell ‘Sweet Pea’ Whitaker laid the foundation, and now we have builders of a great professional boxing program that will last for generations. What I love about Keyshawn, Kelvin, and Keon is they are bringing a whole generation of student-athletes behind them.”
Keon, 23, reflected on his debut: “I had never seen this coming before, but I am here to perform.”
He credited his brothers, saying, “They guided me my whole career,” and he thanked Terence Crawford, Shakur Stevenson, and Keyshawn for sparring sessions that have led to his growth.
Keon’s opponent, Moore, 23, of Irving, Texas, holds a 1-1 (1 KO) record. Keyshawn confidently predicted his younger brother would likely score a first-round knockout.
Kelvin, 27, with a record of 13-0 (7 KOs), faces Solano, 32, of Colombia, 15-3 (10 KOs). Kelvin is looking to bounce back from a lackluster majority decision win over Kevin Johnson in July. Fighting at home seems to invigorate him.
“I am proud of my little brothers, and it is just a dream come true. It’s just another day in the office, but it’s different because we are in Norfolk, my hometown,” Kelvin said.
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