Keyshawn Davis vs Gustavo Lemos Press Conference Notes
Coverage begins LIVE on ESPN+ Friday at 6:20pm ET / 3:20pm PT
The long-awaited homecoming for Keyshawn Davis (11-0, 7 KOs), the fighting pride of Norfolk and the Seven Cities, is in full swing.
The lightweight contender and U.S. Olympic silver medalist, Keyshawn, will make his main event debut this Friday, November 8, at Norfolk’s Scope Arena, where he’ll take on Argentina-born powerhouse Gustavo Lemos (29-1, 19 KOs) in a 10-round showdown.
Davis will top the most significant boxing card at the storied venue since Norfolk legend Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker defended his welterweight crown against Buddy McGirt in October 1994.
At Wednesday’s press conference, Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander, Ph.D, joined the hometown hero on the dais. A sold-out crowd is expected for the 757’s latest superstar.
In the 10-round middleweight co-feature, Troy Isley (13-0, 5 KOs) will lock horns with Tyler Howard (20-1, 11 KOs).
Since joining forces with Brian “BoMac” McIntyre before his win over Vladimir Hernandez last November, Isley has secured victories this year against Marcos Hernandez in March and longtime amateur rival Javier Martinez in June.
Davis-Lemos and Isley Howard will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ at approximately 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. The undercard — also streaming live on ESPN+ — will start at 6:20 p.m. ET/3:20 p.m. PT.
Keyshawn’s two brothers will also be featured. His older brother, junior welterweight contender Kelvin Davis (13-0, 7 KOs), will fight Yeis Solano (15-3, 10 KOs) in an eight-rounder, while his younger brother, Keon Davis, makes his professional debut in a four-round junior middleweight tilt versus Jalen Moore (1-1, 1 KO).
British boxing fans are familiar with Keyshawn Davis after he called out Adam Azim earlier this year.
Promoted by Top Rank, the remaining tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.
This is what the fighters had to say at the press conference.
Keyshawn Davis: “This means a lot to all three of us and, of course, to the city. There’s been a 30-year dry spell [of boxing]. And God had it written that we would come back to the city.
“We’re doing this in a major way. We’ve already sold 10,000 tickets, and we’re going to sell some more. It’s going to be a treat on Friday.
“It’s super important for me to put on a show. Every single time I get in that ring, I love putting on shows. I like having fun, but I also like the people around me to have fun. I’m a dramatic fighter. I like doing the unexpected, so expect that Friday night.
“It’s not going to be beautiful. There’s going to be blood everywhere. His nose might be a little lopsided after. But, I respect you, Gustavo. You are an amazing fighter. I appreciate you for taking the fight in my hometown, but I’m going to f**k you up.”
Gustavo Lemos: “I don’t see any difference between this and my last fights. I have a strong opponent, and I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity.
“I’ve always said that he is a good opponent and that we’re going to have a beautiful fight.
“I respect all my opponents, whether they are good or bad. I wish him good luck on Friday, and tell him to be careful.”
Troy Isley: “I expect a hometown fight like if I were fighting at home. Keyshawn’s family and my family. Everybody is going to be there. It’s going to be lit Friday night, and I can’t wait.
“Our bond means everything. We started this thing together. We talked about everything we were going to do. And, we’re doing it now. And we’re going to continue to do it.
“I’m going to f**k you up. That’s all that matters. He knows what’s up. He’s going to see Friday night. That’s why they call me the ‘Transformer.’”
Tyler Howard: “A win in a co-main event on ESPN+ against someone the caliber of Troy Isley, 2020 U.S. Olympian, is just another catapult into my career. It would be massive.
“He keeps interrupting. But we’re gonna square up on Friday, bro. I’ll be there. I promise you, I’ll be there.
“Listen, they call me ‘Hercules’ for a reason. If you come forward, you’re going to stop coming forward when you get rocked. It’s going to happen.”
Kelvin Davis: “It’s very special for all three of us. Keyshawn is having his first main event in Norfolk. And Keon is having his pro debut under his brother’s first main event. So, I’m proud of my little brothers. And it’s a dream come true.
“I just have to be myself. It’s different now because we’re in Norfolk, my hometown. But I just have to be myself, and I’ll dominate in spectacular fashion.”
Keon Davis: “This means a lot to me. I’ve been thinking about this for my whole career. I’m happy to be here.
“My experiences have made me a better fighter. It’s helped build my IQ. I appreciate guys like Terence Crawford, Shakur Stevenson, and Keyshawn Davis. They definitely helped me get better in the gym.”
Friday, November 8
First Bell: LIVE on ESPN+ 6:20pm ET / 3:20pm PT
Keyshawn Davis vs. Gustavo Lemos, 10 Rounds, Davis’ WBO Intercontinental and WBC USA Lightweight Titles and IBF World Title Eliminator
Troy Isley vs. Tyler Howard, 10×3 Isley’s NABO Middleweight Title
Abdullah Mason vs. Yohan Vasquez, 8×3 Lightweight
Kelvin Davis vs. Yeis Solano, 8×3 Junior Welterweight
Austin Deanda vs. DeAundre Pettus, 8×3 Middleweight
Keon Davis vs. Jalen Moore, 4×3 Junior Middleweight
Robert Meriwether vs. Eric Howard, 6×3 Junior Lightweight
Raeese Aleem vs. Derlyn Hernandez, 10×3 Featherweight
