The upcoming title defense of WBO lightweight champion Keyshawn Davis is not just a routine sporting event; it’s a pivotal moment in the boxing world, drawing both anticipation and skepticism. On June 7th in Norfolk, Virginia, Davis will defend his lightweight title against Edwin De Los Santos, who, despite having a promising record of 16 wins (14 by knockout) and 2 losses, comes with the significant baggage of inactivity and a recent defeat. This unusual matchup has raised critical questions among boxing fans and analysts alike.
The Enigma of De Los Santos
Edwin De Los Santos has become something of a polarizing figure in the boxing community. His encounters with esteemed fighters such as Shakur Stevenson, Joseph Adorno, and Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela have showcased his potential. The fight against Stevenson, which he lost, still highlighted his capacity to inflict serious damage, particularly in the early rounds. However, a glaring issue looms—De Los Santos hasn’t fought in two years, coming off a loss that has caused fans to doubt his readiness and worthiness of this title shot. Historically, such long layoffs would typically disqualify fighters from high-stakes matches, casting a shadow over the decision made by Top Rank.
What About Andy Cruz?
Adding another layer of intrigue to this scenario is the omission of 2020 Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz from this title bout. Cruz, who holds a 4-0 record over Davis in their amateur encounters, would have posed a much greater challenge and provided a more thrilling spectacle. The decision to choose De Los Santos over Cruz raises questions about Top Rank’s strategy. Are they prioritizing a safer route for Davis to build his brand? If so, this method seems to compromise the sport’s competitive integrity, leaning more towards promotional maneuvering than the spirit of competition in boxing.
Assessing the Physical Dynamics
Physicality is crucial in boxing, and Davis’ size advantage over De Los Santos is almost monumental. There’s an argument to be made that Davis simply does not belong in the lightweight division anymore. His immense stature gives him a significant edge against smaller fighters, and he appears to be on the cusp of needing to move up to welterweight. Given his last fight against Denys Berinchyk—where Davis’s size disparity was evident—it’s hard not to imagine the adverse effects on the sport if he continues to dominate an already constrained lightweight category.
The Fans’ Dilemma
Ultimately, the upcoming bout encapsulates a disheartening reality in professional boxing. Fans are left grappling with mixed emotions. On one hand, there’s excitement for Davis’s title defense; on the other hand, there’s frustration about the chosen contender. With the spotlight on Davis and the immense potential of his career, this title defense against an inactive opponent may seem less like a competitive challenge and more like a calculated step in navigating his rise to boxing stardom. As combat sports evolve, discerning the line between promotional tactics and genuine competitive spirit will be crucial for the integrity of the sport.