This Saturday, June 7, 2025, boxing fans across the globe are gearing up for one of the most anticipated lightweight title fights of the year, as rising star and WBO Lightweight Champion Keyshawn Davis defends his belt against Dominican powerhouse Edwin De Los Santos. The clash will unfold at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia — Davis’s hometown — and will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10:00 p.m. ET.
Both fighters bring vastly different styles and stories into the ring, promising a dynamic and unpredictable showdown. With title implications and career momentum on the line, this fight is not just another step in their careers — it’s a defining moment for both.
Keyshawn Davis, known as “The Businessman,” enters the bout with a perfect professional record of 13 wins and no losses, including 9 knockouts. At 26 years old, the former Olympic silver medalist has quickly established himself as one of the most technically gifted and marketable fighters in boxing today. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall with a 70-inch reach, Davis uses his orthodox stance to control distance, dictate pace, and pick apart opponents with clinical precision. His footwork, speed, and ability to adapt mid-fight make him a complete package — a fact underscored by his recent fourth-round TKO victory over the experienced Denys Berinchyk to claim the WBO title.
Opposite him stands Edwin De Los Santos, a 25-year-old southpaw from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. De Los Santos enters the ring with a record of 16 wins and 2 losses, with a stunning 14 of those victories coming by knockout. Slightly shorter than Davis at 5 feet 8 inches but with the same 70-inch reach, De Los Santos is known for his aggression, powerful left hand, and willingness to trade punches in the pocket. Despite a unanimous decision loss to defensive wizard Shakur Stevenson in 2023, De Los Santos has bounced back with improved performances and has earned this title shot with grit and thunderous punching power.
While Keyshawn Davis relies on timing, patience, and ring IQ, De Los Santos fights with a sense of urgency and ferocity. This contrast in styles — the boxer vs. the puncher — is what makes Saturday night’s matchup so fascinating. It’s not just about who hits harder or moves better. It’s about who can impose their rhythm, manage the pressure, and capitalize on split-second openings.
On paper, the odds are in Davis’s favor. Sportsbooks have him as a -650 favorite, with De Los Santos sitting at +450. The over/under is set at 10.5 rounds, indicating expectations of a longer, possibly tactical battle. But anyone familiar with De Los Santos knows he carries fight-ending power in both hands, and if he can close the distance and land clean, he could turn the night upside down in an instant.
Let’s not forget that while Davis boasts an Olympic pedigree and a perfect record, De Los Santos has faced adversity, bounced back, and proven himself against elite opponents. His breakout performance came in 2022 when he stunned the boxing world by defeating the then-unbeaten Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela via first-round knockout. That victory put him on the map and showed that he’s not just a power puncher, but a legitimate threat capable of breaking through top-level defenses.
As the fight nears, both men have expressed confidence. At the final press conference, Davis emphasized that he’s only getting better and that fighting in front of his hometown crowd will fuel his performance. “This is more than just a title defense,” he said. “It’s a moment I’ve dreamed of — defending my world title at home. I’m going to put on a masterclass.” Meanwhile, De Los Santos has embraced his underdog role with pride, promising to bring “Dominican fire” to the ring and shock the world. “People underestimate my heart. I’m not coming to survive. I’m coming to win.”
Their preparation camps reflect their mindsets. Davis, who trains in a disciplined, high-performance environment with his longtime coaches, has focused on sharpening timing and defensive responses to power shots. His team knows De Los Santos brings chaos, and the goal is to neutralize it. De Los Santos, on the other hand, has reportedly been sparring against taller orthodox fighters to replicate Davis’s dimensions and has zeroed in on bodywork and cutting off the ring — key tactics when facing a slick, mobile boxer.
Statistically, the tale of the tape shows how close — and yet how different — these fighters are. They have identical reach and are separated by just one inch in height. But De Los Santos holds a clear edge in knockout percentage at 88%, compared to Davis’s 69%. That said, Davis has faced more technically proficient opposition, with a resume that includes international champions and Olympic-level talent.
Another factor to watch is their stances. Davis fights orthodox, while De Los Santos is a southpaw. This creates a classic chess match of foot positioning and angle management. Orthodox-southpaw matchups often come down to who can control the outside foot and land their power shots cleanly. Expect Davis to circle away from De Los Santos’s left hand while firing jabs and right counters. De Los Santos, meanwhile, will look to land big left hooks and straight lefts as he pressures forward.
In terms of career trajectory, a win for Davis solidifies his claim as one of the top lightweights in the world and potentially sets up mega fights with names like Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, or Devin Haney. For De Los Santos, this fight is make-or-break. A victory would crown him world champion and open the doors to global recognition and elite paydays.
But beyond belts and rankings, this fight is about legacy. For Keyshawn Davis, it’s a homecoming — a chance to show his city and his fans that he’s more than hype, that he’s here to stay. For Edwin De Los Santos, it’s a chance to reclaim momentum, rewrite his story, and prove that even against the odds, power and passion can change everything.
With a compelling mix of styles, stakes, and star power, Davis vs. De Los Santos has all the makings of a modern classic. Whether it ends in a masterclass decision, a late stoppage, or a shocking knockout, one thing is certain — this fight will move the needle in the lightweight division and provide fans with fireworks.
So, mark your calendars. Set your reminders. Because when these two step through the ropes Saturday night, the gloves are coming off — and history is ready to be made.