KEYSHAWN DAVIS will hope to put on a memorable performance in front of his home fans against Gustavo Lemos tonight.
The Top Rank main event at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia will be packed to the rafters to watch Davis try and tame the relentless Argentinian. Davis also has to contend with Lemos coming in six pounds over at the weigh-in. But that, ironically, could spur Davis on to do something greater.
It will be a raucous atmosphere at the Scope Arena but who will they be watching on the undercard? Boxing News picks out the best of the bunch.
Troy Isley vs. Tyler Howard
Virginian resident Isley is another who will look to send his supporters home happy tonight. The 2020 U.S Olympian is unbeaten in 13 fights. The ‘Transformer’ and ‘Hercules’ Howard have sparred verbally this week but it would be a major shock if the inactive Howard can pull off an upset. Isley is muscular, strong and hits harder than his record suggests. Howard could make the mistake of thinking he can stand in the pocket and win a trade-off.
Ra’eese Aleem vs. Derlyn Hernandez-Gerarldo
Aleem returns for the first time since losing to Sam Goodman in an IBF super-bantamweight eliminator. The Michigan fighter needs to impress against Gerarldo in this 10-round featherweight contest and his awkward style will have to contend with the all-action Dominican who has been in some thrilling fights.
Abdullah Mason could be boxing’s next big superstar.
Abdullah Mason vs. Yohan Vasquez
Mason is one of the hottest prospects in the world. The lightweight has lit up venues by picking opponents apart. Tonight’s eight-round contest against Vasquez is another chance for Mason to provide a highlight reel finish. Vazquez is heavy handed but his style looks made for Mason.
Best of the rest
Keyshawn’s brothers Kelvin, 13-0 (7 KOs) – super lightweight, and welterweight debutant Keon will aim to make it a night to remember for the Davis family.
‘The Native Nightmare’ Austin Deanda continues his education against DeAundre Pettus, 12-2 (7 KOs) who will have to start well if he is to have a chance.
Robert Meriwether III, 7-0 (3 KOs), whose first two fights took place in Mexico, has huge ambitions for his career. Discovered by Floyd Mayweather when he was eight Meriwether wants to become an all-time great and will look to dazzle and steal the show against Eric Howard in his eighth bout.
