New York, New York – Keyshawn Davis (13-0, 9 KOs) convincingly defeated Denys Berinchyk (19- 1, 9 KOs) by landing a devastating body shot in the fourth that sent him to the canvas for the full 10 count. Keyshawn captured the WBO lightweight championship, demonstrating he has the skills to compete with the elite fighters in the division.

(Credit: Top Rank)

Berinchyk felt his power early and limited the exchanges by boxing in and out or clinching excessively. The Ukrainian appeared to not want to engage and when he did, he was ineffective. Berinchyk threw 121 punches but landed only 14 punches in four rounds, connecting on only 11.6 percent of his punches (Compubox).

Keyshawn said of Berinchyk, “I never really had problems with awkward fighters. The only thing that was giving me trouble was how he kept jumping in and out. And he was a little faster than I  expected. As the rounds went on, I got more comfortable in there, and in the fourth round, I  did it to him.”

By defeating Denys, he joins a list of elite boxers who captured the lightweight championship in the fewest number of fights.

– Vasiliy Lomachenko 12 fights

– Jimmy Britt 12 fights

– Oscar De La Hoya 14 fights

– Keyshawn Davis 14 fights (Fight against Nahir Albright was declared NC)  ESPN

When asked whom he would like to face next, Keyshawn said, “I want anybody who has the balls to step in the ring and fight me. There are two 135-pound champions that I would love to fight. If they have the guts to step in the ring with ‘The Businessman, tell them to send me a  contract, or I can send them one.”

He didn’t mention the two champions by name, but he was referring to IBF champion Vasiliy Lomachenko and WBA champion Gervonta Davis. The WBC  champion is Shakur Stevenson and Keyshawn has already publicly stated he would not fight him because they are close friends.

It’s been rumored that Lomachenko may retire; if he does, he would be vacating his IBF championship, allowing top contenders to challenge for the belt.  Depending on what he ultimately decides, it would be the easiest match to make, being he is with the same promotional company as Keyshawn.

A match against Gervonta would be much more difficult to make because it would require a cross-promotional agreement, but in today’s environment, with the help of Turki Alashikh, any super fight is possible. Gervonta Davis is set to face Lamont Roach at the Barclays Center on March 1st, if victorious, it will be interesting to see whom he selects as his next opponent.