Press conference notes: Norfolk Native Keyshawn Davis officially announces November 8 homecoming battle with Gustavo Lemos
Keyshawn, Kelvin and Keon Davis all ready to put on a show for their city
The Norfolk native Keyshawn Davis will take on Argentina’s Gustavo Lemos in the 10-round lightweight main event at Scope Arena on Friday, November 8.
It’s the most significant boxing event at the storied venue since Norfolk legend Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker defended his welterweight crown against Buddy McGirt in October 1994.
The undercard will feature the other members of “DB3.” Keyshawn’s older brother, rising junior welterweight Kelvin “Night Night” Davis (13-0, 7 KOs), fights Yeis Solano (15-3, 10 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Keyshawn’s younger brother, U.S. Olympic Trials champion Keon Davis, will make his pro debut in a four-round welterweight contest.
The Davis Brothers were joined on stage by Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander, in addition to undefeated middleweight Troy Isley (13-0, 5 KOs), who will fight Tyler Howard (20-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
Promoted by Top Rank, this is what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s press conference:
Keyshawn Davis: “This is an honor. I appreciate everyone for coming out. Top Rank is here and putting on this show for us, for the town, and for the 757. It’s going to be a Michael Jordan story on November 8.
“This event is bigger than us. I want to reach as many people as I can with this event so that the people from this town know that you can make it from here. There are resources here. And we’re bringing resources here, like a gym that kids can go to. I want this event to reach many people. I want the Seven Cities to be on the map, so they can be like Atlanta, New York, or Chicago.
“I hand-picked this opponent because I know he can fight. He’s a good fighter. But I’m a dangerous fighter. Just know that if you come with that, I’m going to come with that, too. Gustavo Lemos is going to try all that extra stuff, but ya’ll know how we rock out here. Norfolk is not going for any of that. I’m going to tone him right on down, and we are going to have a fun night on Friday, November 8.”
Kelvin Davis: “This is truly a blessing. We definitely talked about this when we were kids. We dreamed about it. And it’s finally here. It hasn’t hit me yet. We’re really bringing it to Norfolk, 757. It hasn’t been done since ‘Sweet Pea’ Pernell Whitaker. And we’re trying to follow what he set for us. We’ve got his family out here supporting us. And his legacy will live out through us.
“’Sweet Pea’ used to come to the amateur fights and watch us. He would watch the amateur talent. And he would give us a few pointers after our fights. He would tell us things to get better. That was a blessing to have a legend watch us fight as an amateur.
“You can expect fireworks. We’re fighting at home. And I’m really comfortable at home. So whoever comes in this territory is getting knocked out.”
Keon Davis: “This is a great opportunity. It’s going to be a great night. I’m going to make my pro debut. I’m coming for the stoppage. I’m coming to knock somebody out.
“I feel like this is the perfect time to turn pro. My brother is doing his first homecoming, and I feel like it would be perfect to turn pro on the same card as them. It’s going to be great.”
Troy Isley: “Coming into the pros, I kind of lost my confidence. So, being around these three and them telling me I’m good enough has helped so much. They told me I shouldn’t doubt myself. So, being around them during the last three camps has helped a lot.
“It’s going to be a great show. Ya’ll are gonna want to tune in. All four of us are going to put on a show. Don’t miss out.”