There will be no love lost between Denys Berinchyk and Keyshawn Davis as they meet this Valentine’s Day for a lightweight battle. Berinchyk will look to defend his WBO title against Davis and his opponent’s invincible run. Here’s our Berinchyk vs Davis prediction ahead of the Madison Square Garden spectacle.
Tale of the tape
Davis has looked extraordinary in his career thus far with a perfect 12-0 record.
The Virginia native caught the eye of American boxing fans long before making his professional debut. He turned pro in 2021 following silver medal runs at the 2019 Pan American Games, 2019 World Championships, and 2020 Summer Olympics. Davis has fought in 12 bouts up until now and currently tops the WBO lightweight rankings. So, the Businessman will look to cement his status as the division’s best with the WBO strap.
Davis is not the only unbeaten fighter in this matchup, however, as Berinchyk has an unblemished record of 19-0 as well.
Like his upcoming opponent, Berinchyk also has World Championship and Olympic silver medals on his CV. The Ukrainian now has a decade of professional experience. Berinchyk produced an upset victory against Emanuel Navarrete in San Diego last year to become the new owner of the WBO lightweight belt. Now, he is set to make his first defence against an opponent who has followed a similar path to the pinnacle of the sport.
Denys Berinchyk vs Keyshawn Davis hot tip: Berinchyk to win via decision
Davis has enjoyed a meteoric rise after becoming a professional four years ago. He is still in his mid-20s, and it took him only 12 fights to qualify for a world title bout. Davis’ record has been nothing short of incredible, but experience plays a big factor in fights of such magnitude. Berinchyk will feel he can lure the challenger into making some costly mistakes.
The Ukrainian will be the most high-profile enemy Davis has faced until now. While Davis has the firepower in his fists to win this fight, he must iron out some characteristic errors. His defensive technique has room for improvement and he is often caught flat-footed. Berinchyk should be able to make the most of the openings Davis concedes in this bout.
Davis has an impressive physique, so we don’t think Berinchyk will knock him out. But the Lion should do enough to get a decision win.
Denys Berinchyk vs Keyshawn Davis: Key stats
- Davis has fought twice at Madison Square Garden and prevailed both times. Berinchyk, on the other hand, will make his first appearance at the iconic New York venue.
- Berinchyk has nine knockout wins and Davis has eight. The American, however, has a higher knockout ratio (67%) than the reigning WBO champion (47%).
- Berinchyk is 11 years older than the 25-year-old Davis.
- Berinchyk has logged 154 rounds in the professional ranks, while Davis has completed 80.
Fight odds and win probability
Here are the current Denys Berinchyk vs Keyshawn Davis odds:
Denys Berinchyk: 5/1 (6.00) – Implied probability 16.67%
Keyshawn Davis: 1/6 (1.17) – Implied probability 85.69%
*Berinchyk vs Davis betting odds from Boylesports, subject to change.
Keys to victory
Bookmakers are showing strong faith in a Davis victory, but this is a fight that can end up both ways. Davis can snatch the belt with his marvellous power punching, but Berinchyk will rely on his superior technical skills to neutralise the threat.
Denys Berinchyk: Make the experience count
Berinchyk has been in deeper waters with almost twice the number of professional rounds under his belt—154 against 80. He should try to force Davis out of his comfort zone and control the battle with his ring IQ. Should the fight turn into a test of endurance, Berinchyk's experience could be the deciding element.
Berinchyk enjoys overwhelming his opponents with aggression, but he needs to take a more calculated approach against Davis. He may upset the American's flow and force mistakes if he can push the pace, cut off the ring, and make Davis uncomfortable.
Keyshawn Davis: Quicker reflexes
At 25, Davis has faster reflexes and fresher legs. Should the Ukrainian slow down, he may outbox Berinchyk over 12 rounds or perhaps cause a late stoppage if he can keep his tempo and remain disciplined.
Davis loves taking the game to the opponent, but that could be suicidal against a fighter of Berinchyk’s profile. He must take a more cautious approach in this fight and time his counters with perfection to win this.
Bren is our resident Kiwi, and has been playing or watching sports down under in New Zealand for the better part of three decades. With 12+ years experience as a professional writer, Bren loves to dive deep into all things sport to bring the best betting analysis and predictions here at Mr Fixits Tips.
