Shakur Says The World Is Ready For Keyshawn Davis’ Retur

Shakur Stevenson helped out his down-and-out ‘brother’ Keyshawn Davis this week, saying on social media that “the world is ready” to see him return to the ring against “whoever.”

If Shakur is serious about wanting Keyshawn to be matched against anybody at 140, there are already some top talents that would be lining up for a feeding frenzy. These fighters would jump at the chance to face Keyshawn:

• Ernesto Mercado: Already called out Keyshawn this week.
• Gary Antuanne Russell
• Subriel Matias

Move to 140 Raises Risks

There’s a lot of uncertainty about Keyshawn’s career now. He’s moved up in weight to 140, and many talented fighters in the division could give him problems.

The Andy Cruz Problem

Calling himself ‘The Businessman,’ Keysnawn He four times to Cuba’s Andy Cruz in the amateurs, including in the 2020 Olympic finals. Keyshawn declined to fight him when he was called out in 2025. His record against Cruz is a perfect 0-4.

Surprisingly, the WBO elevated Keyshawn to #1 at 140, putting him in the pole position to challenge light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez. Shakur has already said that after he defeats Teofimo on January 31st, 2026, he’ll “give” the WBO title to his “brother” Keyshawn.

“The world is ready to see Keyshawn Davis make his return. Match him against whoever,” said Shakur Stevenson on X about his ‘brother’ Keyshawn Davis.

Keyshawn (13-0, 9 KOs) hasn’t fought since February 2025, when he knocked out WBO lightweight champion Denys Berinchyk in the fourth round.

The 26-year-old Davis was later stripped of his WBO belt when he came in 3.9 lbs over the limit at 139.3 for his fight against Edwin De Los Santos on June 6, 2025. That fight was canceled.

Top Rank’s Broadcast Void

The 2020 Olympic silver medalist Davis’ promoters at Top Rank are without a broadcast partner. So, that leaves him sitting on the sidelines without an opponent.

Confusing Albright Rematch Talk

Keyshawn inexplicably said he wanted to fight Nahir Albright in a rematch next, a fighter he already beat by a 10-round majority decision in October 2023. The results of the bout were later changed to a no-contest when Davis tested positive for marijuana.

It doesn’t make sense for Davis to fight a rematch with Albright other than to avenge his brother, Kelvin Davis’ defeat against him. Albright defeated Kelvin by a 10-round majority decision on June 7, 2025, in Norfolk, Virginia.