To step into the ring and engage in a physical battle with the intention of causing harm to another person, a boxer must strive to detach their emotions. Ideally, they view their opponent merely as a rival, a lifeless figure they must defeat in their line of work. However, if feelings do come into play, the next favorable situation for a boxer is to harbor a dislike towards their adversary and channel this animosity as fuel or motivation.
One thing they certainly don’t want is to feel fond of their opponent. Find themselves in this position and not only is there a possibility they will struggle to pull the trigger when the time comes, but also there is every chance that in hesitating, or showing compassion, they will in turn become vulnerable and there for the taking.
Friends typically avoid fighting, unless there is a substantial financial incentive. They believe that it’s not worth it – not worth the risk of harming someone they care about, and not worth the possibility of being emotionally paralyzed by the inability to harm someone they care about.
In contrast to tennis or darts, boxing is not a game. It is a sport that promotes and rewards inflicting harm, making the idea of friendly competition non-existent. In truth, boxing is a sport of utmost seriousness, with inherent risks and potential for significant damage.
Perhaps that is the reason why lightweights Shakur Stevenson and Keyshawn Davis, despite being in the same weight class, have no intention of facing each other in the near future. It is evident that even though they both have fights scheduled this Saturday (July 6) in Newark, New Jersey, it would be inaccurate to assume that this is the beginning of a clash between them. In fact, these two lightweights are not only friends but will continue to be, as stated by Keyshawn Davis, despite his strong desire to secure a world title at 135 pounds.
“We don’t have to do nothing we don’t want to do,” Davis, 10-0 (7), said to Boxing News when asked about a possible fight against Stevenson. “Me and Shakur are family.”
The photo featured above captures Shakur Stevenson, courtesy of Elsa/Getty Images.
Since their early days as amateurs, Stevenson and Davis have maintained a close bond, which continues to be evident even as professional athletes, given their Olympic silver medals.
Davis is set to battle Miguel Madueno in a 10-round fight on Saturday, aiming to enhance his undefeated professional record to 11-0. Meanwhile, Stevenson, headlining the event, will protect his WBC lightweight title against Artem Harutyunyan. Davis will be in attendance as a supportive friend, rather than envisioning himself as a potential adversary.
Furthermore, if Stevenson is not the one Davis plans to dethrone, he still has other options available due to the fragmented world titles in boxing. One such option is Gervonta “Tank” Davis, who holds the WBA lightweight belt, or Vasiliy Lomachenko, who holds the IBF lightweight belt. Both fighters are considered top contenders in the division and would provide significant challenges for Davis, who is known as “The Businessman.” Davis acknowledges their experience, numerous fights, and consistent success, recognizing them as his toughest opponents in the lightweight division.
“I am ready to seize any opportunity for a world title shot that comes my way. As I have never held a world championship in my professional career, I am eager to accept any chance given to me by someone.”
