Trainer Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre has no doubt in his mind—Keyshawn Davis and Shakur Stevenson are the cream of the crop in the lightweight division. He believes they’re neck and neck at the top, both standing 50-50 on par. Yet, he acknowledges why people might lean toward Gervonta Davis as the top fighter among the 135-pound ranks. It’s mainly because Gervonta’s been at this weight longer, carving out a reputation over time.
BoMac is confident that Keyshawn Davis, who’s got a perfect record of 13-0 with 9 knockouts, could handle Gervonta, even suggesting he has the potential to take Tank out entirely. He sees Davis as having a richer arsenal to call upon in the ring, whereas Gervonta’s options seem more limited.
### Skeptical Fans
Keyshawn’s pro career only began in 2021, which has left a segment of fans waiting on proof of his prowess. Meanwhile, Shakur has scaled three weight classes, entering the lightweight scene only in 2023. Neither has fought what many fans would consider top-tier opponents yet.
Just last Friday, Keyshawn bagged the WBO lightweight title by taking down the 36-year-old Denys Berinchyk in a fourth-round knockout at New York’s Madison Square Garden Theater. But rather than unanimous praise, he faced skepticism. Observers couldn’t help but note the apparent advantages he held in size, as Berinchyk, despite his championship, seemed overmatched and under-sized.
The heart of the fan discontent centers on accusations of ‘weight bullying’ against Keyshawn. They argue he fights several divisions below his natural size, picking off easier prey. In essence, they claim he’s exploiting the system for wins he couldn’t secure battling in weight classes where he naturally belongs, like 154 or 160 pounds.
Yet, if Keyshawn can capitalize on competing against smaller opponents while raking in the cash, why would—or should—he stop? Staying where he is certainly beats grinding it out in middleweight anonymity.
Compared to IBF welterweight champion Jaron Ennis or WBC interim junior middleweight champ Vergil Ortiz Jr., Keyshawn still appears larger. Why, then, insist on remaining at 135? The answer seems clear if you step back and look at the larger picture.
“In truth, it comes down to who Gervonta wants to fight, as he’s seen as the top contender at 135,” BoMac explained to YSM Sports Media, addressing the notion that Keyshawn might fight Gervonta before Shakur does. He reiterates how it’s an evenly matched scenario with Keyshawn and Shakur. Yet, others continue to label Gervonta as the division’s standout. Those in the arena often gear up to face him like he’s the division’s ‘boogeyman.’
While Shakur climbed through three weight classes, Keyshawn is new, having arrived in 2021. Naturally, the world demands their pound of flesh—proof of worth. For BoMac, who knows these fighters well, it remains a balanced scale. Both Keyshawn and Shakur have fierce determination—the same spirit he believes Gervonta possesses, but just not quite in the same manner.
Still, BoMac’s endorsement isn’t enough by itself. Fans have to be on board, and that’s not happening—not yet. In their eyes, Keyshawn still hasn’t demonstrated his supremacy at 135 to merit their backing.
The match against Berinchyk painted a stark picture, making their physical discrepancy too visible to ignore. It almost looked like a middleweight brawling with an aging lightweight. If Keyshawn sticks to competing outside what’s perceived as his true weight class of middleweight, he needs to stack up against talented fighters like Andy Cruz, Ernesto Mercado, Edin De Los Santos, or Raymond Muratalla.
### Exploring the “Toolbox” Theory
When BoMac discusses who would prevail in a hypothetical showdown against Gervonta, his reasoning centers on Keyshawn’s flexibility in style. “Gervonta has one style and doesn’t stray far from it, whereas Keyshawn and Shakur have a full arsenal to draw from,” BoMac elaborates, expressing confidence that Keyshawn could navigate Gervonta’s approach, potentially stopping him in later rounds.
He also teases the prospect of a fight against Lomachenko for Keyshawn, acknowledging the veteran’s well-stocked skillset but believing Keyshawn could get the drop on him more effectively.
