What's Next For Keyshawn Davis After Weight Failure?

Keyshawn Davis failed to make weight for his fight against Edwin De Los Santos, raising questions about his next steps. 

The news means Davis is no longer the WBO Lightweight Champion after coming in at 139.3 pounds, more than four pounds over the weight limit. De Los Santos made weight, hitting the scales at 134.7 pounds. There was an attempt to make the fight go ahead, with a compensation figure of six figures being mentioned for De Los Santos. There were also suggestions that there could have been a rehydration clause for Davis. However, the agreement never arose as the fight is now off. Davis will now likely move up in weight, as he has suggested a move up to 140. 

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There are various fighters Keyshawn could target. He could face Isaac Cruz. The latter has been boxing at 140 for his last two fights. Cruz was one of the names on Keyshawn’s list after beating Denys Berinchyk for the world title. However, the fight never materialized as Keyshawn went ahead with De Los Santos. Cruz is the former WBA Junior Welterweight Champion, making him a credible name. 

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Alternatively, Keyshawn has spoken about facing Teofimo Lopez. The latter is the WBO Junior Welterweight Champion, who defended his belt with a win against Arnold Barboza Jr. in his last fight. Lopez was then linked with a fight against the WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine Welterweight Champion. The fight would give Lopez the chance to become a three-weight world champion. However, Keyshawn has said Lopez was offered the same amount of money to fight him while Teo’s bout with Haney broke down. 

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Equally, if that fight does not go ahead, Keyshawn could face the other competitors at 140. There is a possible fight against the number-ranked contender in the WBO, Alfredo Santiago. Santiago is 17-2, as one of his losses was against Devin Haney. Santiago has shown that he falls short at the elite level, giving Keyshawn a chance to secure a win over the highest contender to put him in a position to fight Teofimo. And with Teofimo’s next opponent unclear, Keyshawn is now in a position to challenge for a belt in a second weight class. 

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