A highly anticipated boxing match between Keyshawn Davis and Edwin De Los Santos scheduled for tomorrow night on ESPN has been called off. The cancellation stems from Davis's inability to meet the weight requirement, leading to unsuccessful negotiations over a significant financial penalty. As a result, Abdullah Mason versus Jeremia Nakathila will now headline the event. Furthermore, Davis was stripped of his WBO title earlier in the day.
In an unexpected turn of events, a major boxing contest set to take place on ESPN this evening has fallen through. Andreas Hale from ESPN initially disclosed on social media that discussions between the involved parties broke down after Keyshawn Davis exceeded the weight limit by more than four pounds. Additionally, Mike Coppinger from Ring Magazine revealed that negotiations were ongoing regarding a sizable six-figure monetary penalty. Keith Idec provided further details, stating that Davis would not have been able to weigh under 149½ pounds at a second-day weigh-in scheduled for Saturday morning. Concerns over safety led De Los Santos and his team to decide against proceeding with the fight.
This development saw Davis losing his WBO title earlier in the day, leaving De Los Santos as the sole contender eligible for the championship had the bout taken place. Davis, who has faced challenges with making weight previously, expressed that he had outgrown the required weight class despite his efforts. Following the official announcement of the cancellation, Top Rank released instructions for fans seeking refunds, setting a deadline of June 7 at 5PM ET.
Keyshawn Davis’s last appearance in the ring was 18 months ago when he lost to Shakur Stevenson via unanimous decision in November 2023.
From a journalistic perspective, this incident highlights the importance of adhering to regulations and agreements within professional sports. It also underscores the critical role of health and safety considerations in athletic competitions. While financial penalties and title implications are significant, ensuring the well-being of athletes should always be prioritized. This episode serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in organizing high-stakes sporting events and the need for comprehensive planning and communication among all stakeholders.