Headlining a Top Rank card on Thurday, eighth of February at the Michelob Ultra Arena. 10 rounds scheduled at lightweight. Davis is coming off a No Decision in mid October versus Nahir Albright, that originally was in the books as his tenth professional victory (by way of MD). The stupid Texas Board of Licensing & Regulation decided to make an example of him after he tested positive for marijuana of all things, and slapped him with a 90 day suspension backdated to fight night so that it got overturned. That was the American's third outing in 2023, but his boricua opponent fought just once in a close UD loss to Arnold Barboza Jr. Former two division titlist Pedraza is on a luckless 0-2-1 reaching back to mid-2021. He is ten years older than Davis, and gives up an inch of height while possessing a ½″ reach advantage. Both men are silver medalists at the AIBA world amateur championships, and both Olympians (no medal for Pedraza; silver for Davis in Tokyo).
Big test for Keshawn, if he wins with little to no problems he'll be ready for a title shot in his next fight.
Top Rank should find someone else to test their new up and coming fighters instead of Pedraza constantly. At this point he is very well the Chisora of 135-140 pounds. Gives a good account, but ultimately falls short. I'm gonna tell you right now how the fight will play out. Davis outboxes Pedraza for the first six in a tedious affair. Until Jose finally realizes he is in a fight, turns southpaw and beats the snot outta Davis, only to lose the fight on 7-3 type scores. AKA the typical Pedraza fight at this point.
I like both of them (really enjoyed KD's run in the Olympics) but one's star is pretty clearly waxing as the other wanes.
This is actually the co-main event, with Teófimo Andrés López vs. Jamaine Ortiz headlining (before today none of the other card bouts aside from this were yet listed on BoxRec)
Close but fair UD for Keyshawn. Pedraza is a tough fight at this stage, and wasn't too impressed by Keyshawn against Albright.
As much as I want Pedraza to win, he doesn't stand much of a chance. Because he'll take at least 5 rounds to figure him out, and even if he dominants the back half of the match, and I don't think he will, he'll still get jobbed on the cards.
Wait... this is it 135? Which Pedraza hasn't made in years. Yeah, he's getting KTFO tonight. Even though I can't change my vote, subtract 1 from Davis UD, and add 1 to Davis KO.
Yep. Davis is defending some minor baubles there. Last time Pedraza made 135lbs actually was a few months before the last time Devin Haney stopped an opponent (which itself predated the pandemic by several months)
Either of the A-sides losing would be great (I don't care about Jamaine but Teo can screw off; and I don't have any issue with Keyshawn but am fond of José) - but yeah, little to no chance of that happening.
Yeah, this is going to be about as drama less as it gets, and both outcomes disappointing. Cards like this is why we're both starting to lose interest in the sport.
TR might be done with Pedraza. He used to be fairly active but after a string of losses and a year off, he gets asked to moved down in weight? Ugh. I feel so bad for him. His team should have known better.
