Denys Berinchyk vs. Keyshawn Davis Headlines Valentine’s Day Boxing at MSG
WBO Lightweight World Champion Denys Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs) is set to make his first title defense against undefeated rising star Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs) on Friday, February 14, 2025, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. The card, promoted by Top Rank in association with K2 Promotions and Queensberry Promotions, will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT.
Main Event: Berinchyk vs. Davis
Denys Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs)
The Ukrainian champion, a longtime teammate of Vasiliy Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk, won the WBO title in May 2024 with a hard-fought split decision over Emanuel Navarrete. Known for his relentless style, Berinchyk now faces his toughest test in Davis.
Berinchyk: “I’m not making big statements. I’ll just say this: Don’t relax, dude. It won’t be easy for you!”
Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs)
Davis, a former Olympic silver medalist and one of America’s brightest boxing talents, is coming off a career-best knockout of Gustavo Lemos. Known for his speed, precision, and charisma, Davis is ready to take the lightweight throne.
Davis: “This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for. A new era in the lightweight division begins on February 14.”
Co-Feature: Xander Zayas vs. Slawa Spomer
Xander Zayas (20-0, 12 KOs)
Puerto Rican sensation Zayas, ranked #1 by the WBO, returns to The Theater after a dominant 2024 campaign. With a world title shot on the horizon, Zayas faces his toughest challenge yet in Spomer.
Slawa Spomer (20-0, 11 KOs)
The German standout has built his reputation by defeating undefeated opponents, including a 10th-round TKO of Milan Prat.
Zayas: “Fighting at MSG in front of my Puerto Rican fans is an honor. I’ll prove I’m ready for a world title at 154 pounds.”
Spomer: “This is my chance to show the world I belong at the top of the sport.”
Televised Opener: Vito Mielnicki Jr. vs. Connor Coyle
Vito Mielnicki Jr. (20-1, 12 KOs)
The New Jersey-born Mielnicki makes his middleweight debut after a 12-fight win streak.
Connor Coyle (21-0, 9 KOs)
The undefeated Irishman, known for his technical skills and road-warrior mentality, seeks to continue his unbeaten run on American soil.
Undercard Highlights (Streaming on ESPN+)
- Rohan Polanco (14-0, 9 KOs) vs. Jean Carlos Torres (22-1, 17 KOs) – 10-round welterweight bout.
- Abdullah Mason (16-0, 14 KOs) vs. Manuel Jaimes (16-2-1, 11 KOs) – 8-round lightweight fight.
- Tiger Johnson (14-0, 6 KOs) vs. Quashawn Toler (17-3, 12 KOs) – 8-round welterweight clash.
- Nico Ali Walsh (11-1, 5 KOs) vs. TBD – 6-round middleweight bout.
Event Details
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025
Venue: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City
Prelims Stream: ESPN+ (Starting at 6 PM ET/3 PM PT)
Main Card: ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN+ (9 PM ET/6 PM PT)
Tickets: On sale now at Ticketmaster.com
Key Points
- Main Event: Berinchyk defends his WBO lightweight crown against Davis.
- Co-Feature: Xander Zayas battles unbeaten Slawa Spomer.
- Opening Bout: Vito Mielnicki Jr. faces undefeated Connor Coyle.
- Undercard: Features rising talents like Rohan Polanco, Abdullah Mason, and Tiger Johnson.
While Denys Berinchyk has an impressive record, Keyshawn Davis brings a unique skill set and Olympic pedigree that should not be underestimated. This fight will showcase the future of boxing, not just a title defense.
Another hyped match that promises fireworks but will probably end up being a snoozefest. Let’s be real, how many times have we seen ‘the next big thing’ flop under pressure? I’ll believe the excitement when I see it!
I disagree with the notion that Davis is a favorite in this matchup. Berinchyk’s experience and relentless style give him an edge over any rising star. Underestimating Berinchyk could lead to a shocking upset for Davis on February 14.
While Denys Berinchyk has proven himself as a formidable champion, Keyshawn Davis’s Olympic pedigree and recent performances suggest he may be the one to dethrone him. Berinchyk’s past victories have come against tough opponents, but Davis’s speed and charisma could turn the tide.
I disagree with the notion that Berinchyk will easily defend his title. Davis has proven himself with his knockout power and speed. This matchup is more evenly matched than many fans realize, and I expect an upset.
Experience is one thing, but talent wins fights! Davis’s speed and precision can dismantle any defense. Berinchyk may have the title, but he doesn’t have the same level of explosiveness that Davis possesses.
An upset? Come on! Berinchyk’s experience in high-pressure situations gives him the edge. Davis might be talented, but facing a champion like Berinchyk is a different level of challenge.
I’m absolutely thrilled about the upcoming fight between Berinchyk and Davis! It’s exciting to see two undefeated champions clash at MSG. This is a must-watch event for boxing fans, and I can’t wait to see who comes out on top!