On Thursday, February 8, Keyshawn Davis and Jose Pedraza will square off at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Teofimo Lopez vs. Jamaine Ortiz is the main attraction on the card and the lightweight bout is the co-feature.
When Davis (9-0, 6 KOs) faced Nahir Albright in November of last year, the fight was stopped by majority decision, but the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation later declared it a No Contest because Davis had tested positive for marijuana. Davis a 24-year old boxer defeated Francesco Patera by unanimous decision in July. The native of Norfolk, Virginia defeated Anthony Yigit in the eighth round in April.
“I have all the respect in the world for Jose Pedraza and what he’s accomplished in the pro game,” said Davis in media reports.
“This is type of step up I need to get to the next level, and I know Pedraza will bring his A-game. It’s his last chance to get back to title contention, but I won’t let that happen. I will show out for the fans in Las Vegas and everyone watching on ESPN,” he added.
Pedraza (29-5-1, 14 KOs) is hoping to get back to winning ways after losing his most recent fight to Arnold Barboza Jr. via unanimous decision in February 2023. Pedraza, 34, former lightweight and super featherweight champion from Puerto Rico, who had lost to Jose Carlos Ramirez by majority decision in March of the same year, battled Richard Commey to a split draw in August of 2022. He defeated Julian Rodriguez in eight rounds in June 2021, which was his most recent victory.
“Keyshawn Davis is going to experience what it’s like to face a two-division world champion,” said Pedraza in media reports.
“He’s never faced a boxer of my caliber, nor has he faced anyone even close to the caliber of my toughest opponents. He wants to continue climbing up the ranks, but on February 8, he’ll be falling off the ladder,” he added.
Teofimo Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs), a former unified lightweight champion will defend his WBO junior welterweight title for the first time against Jamaine Ortiz (17-1-1, 8 KOs) in the main event.
