NORFOLK, Va. - Norfolk native and professional boxer Keyshawn Davis wants just one thing for his birthday.
"I'm getting a knockout for my birthday," Davis said. "Whatever comes after that, I don't really care."
A day before Davis turns 22 years old, he wants to put together a knockout performance in what will be his pro boxing debut on February 27.
Going pro took a lot of thought because Davis was training with Team USA and had goals of winning an Olympic gold medal, something he was certainly on track to do, because he was heavily favored to win the lightweight division and end a 17-year gold medal drought for the United States men's team.
"It wasn't easy at all," Davis said. "2020 was the roughest year of my life, honestly. Every day pro was on my mind, or the Olympics were on my mind, what should I do, just every day I was battling. I was telling myself 2021, something better be different. Going into 2021, making that turn, it was the perfect route to go at the time.
"I’ve never been this excited for a fight before!”
Just as excited as Davis is his hometown of Norfolk, where you'll find the news of Davis' pro boxing debut showcased on a billboard.
"It's a dream," Davis said. "My vision is to stay focused and take it bigger than a billboard. Just getting to that next level where I'm not only touching Norfolk, but I'm touching each city in all 50 states. Be a real big legacy when it's my time."
Although, before that time comes he has a 22nd birthday to celebrate, which he hopes will be accompanied by the celebration of a knockout win the night prior.
