In a turn of events that unfolded not in the boxing ring, but on the scales, highly-touted lightweight prospect Keyshawn Davis (13-0, 9 KO) faced a significant setback before his scheduled Top Rank main event in Norfolk. Davis failed to successfully make the required weight limit for the lightweight division, a fundamental prerequisite for professional boxing contests.
The official weigh-in revealed that Davis was significantly over the 135-pound (61.2 kg) limit, reportedly missing the mark by nearly two kilograms (approximately 4.4 pounds). This substantial weight miss immediately triggered severe consequences.
First and foremost, Davis was stripped of his WBO championship title, which was on the line for the fight. In professional boxing, making weight is not merely a formality; it is a critical component of adhering to the rules and ensuring a fair contest within a specified weight class. Failure to do so results in forfeiture of any title held or contested.
The second, equally impactful consequence was the cancellation of the fight itself against his opponent, Edwin De Los Santos (16-2, 14 KO). De Los Santos successfully made the lightweight limit without issue. While attempts were reportedly made to negotiate new terms for the bout at a catchweight after Davis missed the mark, an agreement between the parties could not be reached. Consequently, the planned main event was called off.
Missing weight, especially by such a margin, is considered a serious professional misstep. It reflects a lack of discipline in the crucial pre-fight weight cut and can raise questions about a fighter`s preparation. For Davis, an undefeated prospect, this incident represents an unexpected and unwelcome detour in his promising career path.
The void left by the cancelled main event meant the Top Rank card in Norfolk required a reshuffle. The new main event was subsequently announced as a clash between Abdullah Mason and Jeremy Nakathila. Undefeated Kelvin Davis, another fighter featured on the card, was still scheduled to compete against Nahir Olbright.
While the Norfolk event proceeded with a revised lineup, the story dominating discussions remained Keyshawn Davis`s failure on the scales. It serves as a stark reminder that in the sport of boxing, the battle against weight can sometimes be as challenging, and as consequential, as the battle against an opponent in the ring.
