Some of the top athletes in the world will not be showcasing their skills anytime soon. It was recently announced that the 2020 Summer Games would be postponed until 2021. Set to take place in Japan, the coronavirus increased fears of large gatherings, forcing months, even years of hard work to be halted.
Now what?
For some athletes, like boxers, there is the thought of going pro. That is what is going through the mind of two-time silver medalist Keyshawn Davis. The 21-year-old took to Instagram to tease his intentions.
The fighter from Norfolk, Virginia became the first American in 26 years to stand on the podium in the lightweight division of the AIBA World Championships. A former Golden Gloves Champion, Davis told ESPN of his desire to move to where the professionals get to showcase their skills.
“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.”
Davis would not be the first boxer to venture out on his own following an amateur and Olympic run. The likes of Andre Ward, Leon Spinks, Alexander Povetkin, Oscar De La Hoya, Jean Pascal, Michael Conlan, Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto, Evander Holyfield, Shakur Stevenson and Claressa Shields had to have started somewhere. Conlan and the latter two are just branching out in an attempt to join the aforementioned greats.
“It’s just what I want to do, I just feel like going pro right now. It’s been on my mind even before the Olympics got postponed,” David continued. “Now that it’s postponed, like shoot, why not? It’s a perfect time too, while everything is shut down. When stuff opens back up I can jump right in the deep waters.”
Berto in 2004 was the last male boxer to take home the gold. Davis could wait until the Olympics start up again, compete and then go pro. It won’t take long for Davis to make a decision, one that will most likely be a life-changing one no matter what he chooses.
“They just have to respect the decision that I make, honestly, even if they feel like it may not be the right decision,” Davis went on to say.
Thinking about the Olympics since he was seven, boxing was far from his mind. Now, the boxing world is calling for him. Will Davis answer?