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Teddy Atlas Weighs In On Keyshawn Davis vs. Denys Berinchyk – ‘It Ain't Gonna Be That Easy'

hasib

14 February 2025

Keyshawn Davis takes on Denys Berinchyk, as Teddy Atlas gave his view on the fight.

Davis is aiming to win his first world title by taking on the WBO Lightweight Champion. Keyshawn is undefeated with a 12-0 record. He knocked out Gustavo Lemos in his last fight to set up the title shot. He has big plans moving forward, having called out Gervonta Davis. Keyshawn has also indicated his intention to fight at 140 and 147, saying he is big enough to move up to that weight.

The build-up has been marred by controversy after Keyshawn accused Berinchyk of sending him a banana, watermelon and a note, alleging an act of racism. Berinchyk denied those claims, as his focus is on the fight. Berinchyk enters the fight with a split decision win against Emanuel Navarrete.

The victory earned him the WBO Lightweight Title. Berinchyk is more experienced on paper, making him Keyshawn’s toughest opponent. The pair made the 135-pound limit as they were ready for the bout. Here is what Teddy Atlas had to say about the upcoming world title fight.

Atlas Reacts

"Berinchyk is the champion. I’m taking nothing away from Berinchyk. I think he pulled off an upset to get the title. I think Keyshawn wins his first title. He’s young. He could move up. He’s got the body to move up. I think this will be his first of more than one world title. I think he’s matured, seasoned. He’s improved over the last year, he sits down more. Before he moved too much. He always had talent. He was a silver medalist from the Olympics. But now he’s becoming a pro. Over the last year, he sits down more, he places punches. He controls, he knows his identity. He controls range.

"I think that he will use the jab. Berinchyk is very unorthodox, very awkward. He’s solid technically. He’s not a puncher, but he’s solid where you know, he’ll use his legs to get off quick. He’ll move in and out, try to keep you off balance. Look to the counter, look to beat you to the punch. Mix it up a little bit, but it ain’t gonna be that easy against Keyshawn. I think at this point, Keyshawn’s ready to win the title. He’s gonna stabilize him with his jab on the outside, go to the body, take away some of that in and out by taking air out of the tires. I think Keyshawn wins the title," Atlas said