After much deliberation, it appears we now know the future of Keyshawn Davis, one of the most exciting boxers out there today.
Earlier this year, it was announced that the 2020 Olympics would be taking place in July of next year. The Summer Games were moved as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. It left Davis with a thought in his mind of whether to turn professional at 21 or continue his quest for gold. At one point, Davis told ESPN he was looking at his options.
“I’m not going to lie to you, I’m most definitely thinking about going the other way, meaning turning professional,” Davis stated. “I’m going to keep thinking about it, but most likely that’s what I’m going to do.”
The professional boxing world has been after Davis for a while. After having time to think, Davis made a choice he believes is the right one. Speaking with The Athletic, Davis has decided to finish his training and compete for gold. He believes the skills he will develop during this time will eventually help him in a professional career.
“A lot of people just want to be in the amateurs to get enough experience to go pro,” Davis said. “People just look at the money nowadays, but my dream was to be in the Olympics. … After I weighed my pros and cons I think waiting will actually be the better route for me.
“Just me developing not only inside the ring but also outside the ring and just be a better and bigger Keyshawn Davis going toward the Olympics. Keyshawn Davis with the gold medal will just raise me even more.”
Davis joins Andre Ward, Leon Spinks, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, Andre Ward, Evander Holyfield, Shakur Stevenson and Claressa Shields, among others, as members of the boxing community that have competed in the Olympics. As an American, he is trying to be the first to win gold since Ward in 2004. By winning the medal, he would be securing his destiny. In another sense, it would boost his profile.
A silver medalist in the Pan American Games and the World Championships, Davis talks to Stevenson, who has become one of the fastest-rising stars in boxing. A win could propel him higher in the food chain compared to Stevenson or any other boxer before him. This is something he has been dreaming of since he was in the single digits.
Davis is living in a world where all remaining qualifying events for the Olympics are suspended until May the latest. Waiting to find out who he will be competing with, Davis is excited to be waiting like everyone else. He believes it gives him the ultimate competitive advantage.
“The longer they wait, the longer I wait, and the better it’s going to be for me,” said Davis.