Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis Eyes Title Shot in Pivotal May 31 Clash Against WBA No. 1 Yoenli Hernandez

Middleweight contender Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis is ready to stake his claim for a world title opportunity as he faces undefeated WBA No. 1-ranked middleweight Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez in a 10-round showdown on Saturday, May 31. The bout is part of a loaded PBC Championship Boxing card streaming live on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

The four-fight card is headlined by two marquee super middleweight bouts: Caleb Plant returns to face Mexican knockout artist Armando Reséndiz, while Jermall Charlo takes on veteran Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna in a 10-round co-main event.

Davis: “Stop Playing With My Name”

Davis (19-3-1, 6 KOs), riding a three-fight winning streak, is coming off a signature win over previously unbeaten Elijah Garcia in June 2024. He believes another victory on May 31 should leave no doubt that he's next in line for a world title.

“A win on May 31 will 100% let everyone know I need a title shot,” Davis said. “Stop playing with my name. This is the second WBA No. 1-ranked guy I’ve fought. I want the big fights. I’ve fought world champions. I’m ready.”

Training out of Las Vegas under the guidance of longtime coach Stephen “Breadman” Edwards, Davis credits their 11-year partnership as key to his recent resurgence.

“We’ve grown together. He knows exactly how to push me and when to tell me to step on the gas. The communication and trust are everything.”

Learning from the Hard Road

Davis has built his reputation the hard way—often taking fights on short notice, including a 16-day turnaround to face David Benavidez and a controversial draw against Anthony Dirrell. But in 2024, with a full training camp behind him, he looked sharper than ever against Garcia.

“That fight proved what I can do when I get the proper time to prepare,” said Davis. “I’ve taken risks in my career. But now I’m here, fully ready and focused.”

Hernandez: A Dangerous Undefeated Opponent

Yoenli Hernandez (undefeated), a highly regarded Cuban amateur standout, has surged into the WBA rankings behind dominant wins, including a recent shutout of Angel Ruiz. Davis knows he’s in for another tough night.

“He’s a good fighter. He’s motivated, he knows what he’s doing,” Davis acknowledged. “But I’m coming to do whatever I have to do. I would’ve loved a title shot, but I’ll fight the best available—and he’s the one in front of me.”

Underdog Mentality, Veteran Resolve

Despite his experience and quality of opposition, Davis says he's often overlooked by fans, oddsmakers, and media—something he uses as fuel.

“The media and Vegas don’t always look deeper than the records. But boxing insiders know the truth,” he said. “Whether I’m the underdog or the favorite, I embrace whatever card I’m dealt. I’m here to show who I really am.”

Kyrone Davis vs. Yoenli Hernandez promises to be a defining moment in Davis’ decade-long career—and one he believes will finally lead him to the world title shot he’s been chasing.