Keyshawn Davis Targets Lamont Roach Jr. – ‘Let’s Make It Happen'

Keyshawn Davis says that he wants to face Lamont Roach Jr. if the latter defeats Gervonta Davis in their expected rematch. 

Keyshawn is the WBO Lightweight Champion after he stopped Denys Berinchyk to win his first world title. He is set to defend his belt next against Edwin De la Santos, who is coming off a loss against Shakur Stevenson in 2023. Keyshawn has been chasing the biggest fights, having also been linked with Tank Davis. However, there appears to be a reluctance from Tank’s side to make that fight. Keyshawn is also open to moving up to 140 and 147 pounds to secure more legacy-defining fights.

Roach’s Stock

Roach’s stock rose significantly when he secured a majority draw against Tank in his last fight. However, the result should arguably have been a win for him, only for the referee’s controversial decision in the ninth round to prevent him from getting that victory. Tank voluntarily took a knee before going to his corner to wipe some grease from his face. The referee failed to start the count, as Roach should have been given a 10-8 round.

That 10-8 round would have been enough on the scorecards to give Roach the win. Roch’s team subsequently appealed the ruling to the New York State Athletic Commission. There was hope that the Commission would overturn the result. However, the Commission upheld the ruling, preventing Roach from becoming a two-weight world champion.

Davis and Roach are expected to run things back, but there is no guarantee if Tank decides to look elsewhere since he escaped a potential loss. If the circumstances play out as Keyshawn wants, and Roach beats Davis in a rematch, Keyshawn wants to secure him next.

Davis Vs. Roach

"If he beats Tank, I would love to fight Lamont [Roach] next. If he beats Tank, there’s only one fight to make in the lightweight division – me vs. Lamont, real s***. For real, if you beat Tank, let’s fight. Tank, if you win, let’s fight. I don’t care. Lamont, I would love to fight you. We will make a decent amount of bread. I think it makes the most sense.

"If you want to fight me, I want to fight you. Let’s make it happen. I don’t think I’d fight [Emanuel] Navarrete. It’s a pointless fight. I wouldn’t get excited in camp fighting Navarrete, and I know I would stop Navarrete like Lemos. He’s just too small, and he never looked good at 135. I’d fight Raymond Muratalla for sure. I’m not interested in fighting for his belt. We can fight, though, but he can keep the belt," Keyshawn said 

A Keyshawn win over Lamont would demonstrate his greatness. If the Roach-Tank fight does not happen, Keyshawn could move up to secure fights with the likes of Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, or even Ryan Garcia. Alternatively, if the pair put their friendship aside, he could stay at 135 pounds to try and secure a unification against Shakur Stevenson. 

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