It’s a grudge match, a healing and a homecoming all in one.
Keyshawn Davis’ return to Norfolk, Virginia, where so many self-induced things went wrong last year, offers repercussions ranging from a full redemption to a surprise downturn.
Former U.S. Olympic silver medalist and ex-lightweight world champion Davis 14-0 (10KOs) flashed a glimmer of trouble Friday, weighing in slightly over the 140lbs weight limit for the super-lightweight bout at Scope Arena. On second try, he made the weight.
Last time he was there, Davis, 27, missed the lightweight limit by more than four pounds, surrendering his WBO 135lbs belt and missing a fight against contender Edwin De Los Santos.
Worse than that, Davis was accused a night later by Nahir Albright of jumping him in a post-fight melee backstage upon Albright defeating Davis’ brother, Kelvin, after previously giving Keyshawn a difficult time in Davis’ 2023 majority decision over Albright that was changed to a no-contest due to Davis testing positive for marijuana use.
Now, thanks to some old-fashioned pot-stirring by promoter Top Rank, Keyshawn Davis and Albright 17-2-1 (7KOs) are squaring off again Saturday night in Top Rank’s opening bout in its new streaming deal on DAZN.
Albright followed his Kelvin Davis victory impressively, fighting former lightweight title challenger Frank Martin to a draw in February.
“We’re here because Nahir did a great job against Frank Martin. His people kept calling my people, and we picked up his phone call. That’s why we’re here,” Keyshawn Davis said at this week’s news conference.
“I’m happy. I have a great opportunity to perform under these bright lights. I’ve stopped my last three opponents, and this is going to be another stop. He’s just another opponent to me, just watch. I’m going to stop him.”
Ticket sales have been sluggish at the venue given the disappointment of the June 7, 2025, show, but Davis has been optimistic about how he’ll perform, reconnecting with the encouraging rise that took him to the lightweight belt 15 months ago.
Now ranked No. 1 by the WBO behind close friend and four-division champion Shakur Stevenson, Davis can either bide his time to see if Stevenson vacates or pursue a welterweight fight given the presence of talents like Devin Haney, Rolly Romero and Ryan Garcia there.
Yet, Albright sees this as the time to fully derail Davis.
“I’ve improved a lot. I got stronger, faster, and my IQ improved,” since the 2023 match, he said. “It’s going to show Saturday night.”
Albright said being denied a proper celebration against Kelvin Davis has stuck with him.
“I did my thing that night. [Keyshawn] came to my room, and they let me into it. I didn’t get a chance to enjoy the night that I worked so hard for,” Albright said. “So I’m looking forward to getting that back in the ring.”
“I showed a glimpse of who I am [versus Martin]. Even that night, I could bring more to the table … and they are going to keep seeing it. I’m going to get my hand raised Saturday night. You all can laugh, but Saturday night you are going to see.”
