Keyshawn “The Businessman” Davis is ready to make his mark on the world boxing scene as he prepares to challenge undefeated Ukrainian and Olympic silver medalist Denys Berinchyk for the WBO lightweight world title on Friday, February 14, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This high-stakes showdown will headline a thrilling ESPN-televised tripleheader, with Xander Zayas (20-0, 12 KOs) facing unbeaten Slawa Spomer (20-0, 11 KOs) in the co-feature, and Vito “White Magic” Mielnicki Jr. (20-1, 12 KOs) taking on Connor “The Kid” Coyle (21-0, 9 KOs) in the opening bout.
The action-packed night will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ starting at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Davis (12-0, 8 KOs), a standout from Norfolk, Virginia, transitioned from Olympic silver medalist to elite contender in record time. He earned major recognition in 2024 by defeating two-division world champion Jose Pedraza in dominant fashion over six rounds. Later that year, Davis outclassed Mexican puncher Miguel Madueño in a 10-round decision before finishing the year with an explosive second-round knockout of Gustavo Lemos in his hometown of Norfolk.
Meanwhile, Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs), who captured his silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics, claimed the vacant WBO lightweight title last May with a split-decision victory over former champion Emanuel Navarrete.
Davis recently shared his thoughts following a training camp in Las Vegas:
“I’m super excited,” Davis said. “Madison Square Garden is legendary. New York City is like my second home, and I’ve got family out there, so I’m ready to put on a show for them. Fighting for my first world title at MSG means so much to me.”
Davis recognizes the challenge that Berinchyk presents but is confident in his preparation: “He’s undefeated, and nobody wants to lose that. He’s coming off a huge win against Emanuel Navarrete and has more experience than me. But this isn’t a vacant title, and I’m going to take it from him."
Davis is ready for whatever Berinchyk brings to the ring: “I’ve never faced his style before, but if you liked my last fight, you’re in for a treat. It’ll be a magnificent performance, a hell of a showdown, and something you can’t miss.”
“I feel strong, motivated, and locked in. Nothing is going to get in the way of me becoming world champion on February 14. I’m ready to put on a show,” Davis continued.
With his sights set firmly on the world title, Davis isn't looking past the opportunity at hand: “I can only focus on my world title. But depending on how crazy I knock Berinchyk out, I’m going to make myself one of the big names that people want to fight. I’m not going to talk about fighting ‘big names’—I’m going to be one of those big names on February 14.”
Tickets for the event are available via Ticketmaster.