While this week didn’t serve up the dramatic extravaganza we saw with the Canelo and Jake Paul headline frenzy last week, it certainly packed a punch with plenty of in-ring excitement and notable happenings outside the ropes. Let’s dive into the highlights, with some insights from our vibrant boxing community!
Keyshawn Davis’ Triumph
The standout story of the week has to be Keyshawn Davis capturing his first world title. On Friday night, he delivered a knockout blow to Denys Berinchyk with a series of punishing body shots, clinching the WBO lightweight title. The lead-up to their showdown was, shall we say, quite the spectacle—whether it was genuine, orchestrated, or something in between. These antics might not have added much financial value to the event, but they certainly didn’t go unnoticed.
Keyshawn Davis, now boasting a record of 13-0 with 9 KOs, is living up to the hype as a truly elite fighter. Fans can’t help but buzz about the potential showdowns looming on the horizon, though there are always concerns about potential roadblocks.
Arnold Barboza Jr’s Road Victory
Saturday brought another interesting bout over in Manchester, England. Arnold Barboza Jr eked out a victory against Jack Catterall in a clash between top contenders in the 140 lb division. This match was always pegged to be more of a strategic chess game rather than a thrilling slugfest, and it certainly played out that way. While some might have found it a tad lackluster, it delivered exactly what many expected.
Barboza secured the win via split decision. Personally, I thought the judges got it right, awarding a tight contest to Barboza at 115-113. This victory handed Barboza the interim WBO super lightweight belt, positioning him for a potential showdown with Teofimo Lopez, or perhaps an elevation if Lopez vacates or gets stripped. That said, not everyone agreed with my take on the fight’s closeness.
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez’s Next Big Fight
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez continues to shine as one of boxing’s rising stars. The WBC super flyweight champ is reportedly eyeing a unification bout with WBA titleholder Fernando Martinez. This matchup would bring together the division’s top two fighters at 115 lbs. While some speculate that Rodriguez has the upper hand stylistically, this showdown still promises to be a stern test for the 25-year-old. Meanwhile, the division is heating up with talks of Phumelela Cafu and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez also vying for a title clash.
The Week’s Boxing Buzz
The week wasn’t just about headliners. Oscar Duarte made waves by stopping late substitute opponent Miguel Madueno in a blood-soaked seven-rounder during Golden Boy’s main event. Promoter Oscar De La Hoya noted that Duarte achieved in seven rounds what Keyshawn Davis couldn’t manage in ten, which certainly adds an edge to Duarte’s marketing as he inches closer to a title shot.
Queensberry Promotions isn’t sitting idle either. They’re ramping up with DAZN, starting with Dillian Whyte vs. Joe Joyce in April, followed by Anthony Cacace vs. Leigh Wood, and then Josh Taylor vs. Ekow Essuman in May. Joe Joyce is eyeing this as a chance to rejuvenate his career.
Elsewhere, Bruno Surace is set to rematch Jaime Munguia come May, a rematch of their stunning 2024 upset. And if you’re new to boxing, don’t worry, you’re coming in at a fantastic time!
PBC is prepping a non-PPV Prime Video card in March, with Sebastian Fundora defending his titles against Chordale Booker. Also, Zaur Abdullaev is expected to clash with Raymond Muratalla for an interim belt in May.
Mark your calendars for the Feb. 22 Riyadh Season card, featuring the Beterbiev vs. Bivol rematch. It’s shaping up to be a must-watch event! Promoter Frank Warren has hinted at a Dubois vs. Usyk rematch if Dubois manages to surpass Joseph Parker on the same date. And don’t overlook Luis Alberto Lopez’s upcoming fight in Mexico on March 29.
Ben Whittaker’s first pro main event is locked in for April, after a surprisingly tough first match-up. Edgar Berlanga is set to fight on the Austin Williams vs. Patrice Volny undercard, a humbling shift from once headlining with Canelo. It’s been an intriguing week, full of entertaining stories to keep boxing fans engaged!
