Keyshawn Davis And Brothers Aim To Emulate Pernell Whitaker With Homecoming Show
Kelvin Davis has said it’s a “blessing” to be able to take big-time boxing to his hometown of Norfolk, Virginia for a show that will be headlined by his brother Keyshawn.
Lightweight contender Keyshawn (11-0-0 7 KO) will top the bill at Scope Arena on November 8 against experienced Argentine Gustavo Daniel Lemos (29-1-0 19 KO).
Older brother Kelvin (13-0-0 7 KO) will take on Colombian Yeis Gabriel Solano (15-3-0 10 KO) in a super-lightweight bout, while youngest sibling Keon will make his professional debut at welterweight against a yet-named opponent.
Four-weight world champion and Hall of Famer Pernell ‘Sweet Pea’ Whitaker is the most famous fighter to come from Norfolk, and Kelvin is now hoping the Davis brothers can emulate their hero and put the town back on the boxing map.
“This is truly a blessing. We definitely talked about this when we were kids,” Kelvin, 27, 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 has fought twice in 2024, starting the year in March with a second-round stoppage of Mario Ezequiel Sayal Lozano, before sneaking past Kevin Johnson in July with a majority-decision victory. Both bouts were eight-rounders, as will be his fight against Solano in November.
While his knockout percentage is just under 54 percent, Kelvin has vowed to deliver an explosive performance in front of his home fans.
“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, meanwhile, will be making his debut in a dream scenario by fighting on the same card as his brothers in their hometown, and he said he is determined to put on a show.
“This is a great opportunity,” the 23-year-old 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.”
As for Keyshawn, he faces his latest step up in quality as he continues to pursue a world title shot. Lemos has only lost once – in his last bout to Richardson Hitchins in an IBF super-lightweight title eliminator in April. Keyshawn is the No 3-ranked lightweight by the WBC, WBO, and IBF.
