Talented lightweight prospect Keyshawn Davis 9-0 (6) says giving up weed has been critical to his progress as a boxer.
Last October the 24-year-old from Norfolk, Virginia had his 10-round majority decision win over Nahir Albright 16-2 (7) in Rosenberg, Texas changed to a no-decision after he tested positive for marijuana.
Davis’ camp for his fight against Jose Pedraza 29-5-1 (14) at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday was his first without reefer. The bout will take place on the undercard of the WBO junior welterweight title fight between champion Teofimo Lopez 19-1 (13) and challenger Jamaine Ortiz 17-1-1 (8).
Speaking to Cigar Talk, Davis explained his history of marijuana use and how he feels now without it.
“I’ve been through serious mental health [issues],” Davis said. “Back then before I was even on the [Olympic] team, I used to do things to harm myself. I went to the mental home. I was on medication for my mental health daily. Just throughout that process I was still smoking.
“Ever since I did put the weed down I’ve been a way better person, man. My coaches see — they say that I got way more energy. Even people at the UFC facility [in Las Vegas] I train at, they’re like, ‘I don’t know Keyshawn, there’s just something different about you with this camp. I feel like you just taking it more serious.’ Like I said I had to ask God and reflect on myself to really overcome that addiction.
“It wasn’t until I made a promise to God that I was gonna stop smoking. I didn’t honour that promise, right? Days go past, something don’t feel right. Long story short, I was like, ‘yo I just lied to God’. The first chance I got I started smoking. I repented. I really felt bad. Like I really did this. And honestly after I did that God took my urge away. I had an encounter with God, honestly. Ever since that day I repented and really felt bad, I never had the urge again.”
Davis will face an experienced campaigner in Pedraza on Thursday night. The 34-year-old Puerto Rican is a former two-weight world champion who has only been stopped once by big-hitting southpaw Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis 29-0 (27).
“I’m trying to stop Pedraza. He’s only been stopped one time by another Davis [Gervonta], so he’s fighting another generation Davis,” said Davis to the media this week.
“I always bring fun fights to boxing. Pedraza also has brought a lot of fun fights to boxing and he’s doing it again. But he’s fighting a young killer this time. So just expect an amazing performance from ‘The Businessman’.
“I’m just ready to fight because I already know what’s going to happen. He’s another opponent that is coming to win and I love that. Let’s fight. Finally, I’m getting a fighter that can really fight.
“He’s really going to test me. Whatever game plan that he’s got, it’s going to put me to the test. Every time somebody challenges me, I rise to the occasion. This is a fight that I’m going to have to have to and you’re going to see how good I am, for sure.”
