Boxing
Why a Davis-Ortiz fight seems riskier than you might think
Published
4 months agoon
Keyshawn Davis doesn’t believe his next fight will be a coin toss. This week, he reacted strongly to fans labeling his fight with Jamain Ortiz as a 50-50 fight, pushing back against the narrative that suggests his rise has finally met real resistance.
What makes this reaction compelling is the disconnect between perception and reality. Among fans, this fight has been described as awkward, risky and uncomfortable. In the betting market it is the opposite. Davis is the clear favorite and his number is around -650, which is more control than danger. This discrepancy says a lot about where Davis is in his career. He is still priced as a potential player and rated as a contender.
Since Davis turned professional, he has rarely found himself in situations where an opponent was perceived as a real threat. Ortiz changes that. Not because of his record, but because of what his top-level fights looked like. His losses to Teofimo Lopez and Vasily Lomachenko were minor and debatable, and they showed that he can drag elite fighters into fights where they don’t want to get into a rhythm.
The fight will take place on January 31 at Madison Square Garden and will be a co-headlining appearance on the DAZN pay-per-view card, headlined by Teofimo Lopez against Shakur Stevenson. This will also be Davis’ first fight at 140 pounds, which quietly raises the stakes. This is his debut at super lightweight and there are still unanswered questions about how his speed, power and endurance translate to the higher weight.
“He really thinks he’s going to do something to me in front of 20,000 people,” Davis said on his show YouTube channel. “When I knock out Jamaine Ortiz, what are they going to say? Yeah, go to 147. I like that. Fifty-fifty. I hope the odds are fifty-fifty. I’ll bet on me.”
Trust is based on the brand. The risk is real. The loss in this case would not be catastrophic, but it would immediately halt forward movement. Davis has openly talked about moving up to 147 pounds later this year to pursue bigger fights, including a potential title shot against Devin Haney. This plan is based on control, not repair, of tasks.
If Davis loses, he can’t just turn around. He would have to run it back. His marketability would take a hit and his careful management of his path would be exposed.
That’s why the fight seems threatening, regardless of what the odds say. This is the first time Davis has been asked to win a fight that may not go his way on autopilot.
Dan Ambrose was the main voice in Boxing News 24 known for years for its sensible approach to sport. You can love him or hate him. Dan has developed a mighty fan base for his forthright analysis, direct opinions and in-depth coverage of the global boxing scene.
His articles often spark discussions among fans because he is not afraid to challenge popular narratives or question players’ performances. In addition to opinions, Dan provides fight news, previews, and post-fight analysis that provide readers with both detail and perspective.
Click here to sign up for our FREE newsletter
Related boxing news:
Last update: 01/10/2026
You may like
David Benavidez’s move up to heavyweight no longer sounds like a fantasy after trainer Robert Garcia openly predicted victories over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder while discussing Benavidez’s future following his dominant win over Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.
Robert said Benavidez already has the style and hand speed to cause trouble for boxing’s biggest names if he ultimately decides to move up.
“I think Benavidez beats all three,” Garcia told Fino Boxing as Fury, Joshua and Wilder were raised as potential future opponents. “They are ponderous compared to Benavidez. They won’t even have a chance to throw a punch. Before Ben hits them 20 times.”
Garcia admitted that Fury would still have the hardest task due to his size, but he still supported Benavidez, who was going to break him with a powerful punch.
“I think the hardest one would have to be Fury because the weight is hefty. It’s challenging,” Garcia said. “But even then, if he has his hand on Benavidez, Benavidez will throw those 20-punch combinations to the body and that’s it. That’s it.”
Robert’s comments came after Benavidez stopped Ramirez in a performance that sparked debate about how far the undefeated star can go after already winning the super middleweight and cruiserweight titles. Garcia said he still wants Benavidez to spend more time at cruiserweight before making the full move to heavyweight.
“I think he could fight at heavyweight,” Garcia said. “But I would say two years, a year and a half, three more cruiserweight fights and then I’ll move up to heavyweight.”
Garcia also mentioned Andy Ruiz Jr., Richard Torrez Jr., Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev as potential future opponents when discussing Benavidez’s future path.

Tomek Galm is a boxing journalist covering the global fight landscape since 2014, specializing in heavyweight analysis, industry trends and fighter psychology.
Click here to sign up for our FREE newsletter
Related boxing news:
Last updated: 16/05/2026 at 10:12
Boxing
Canelo Alvarez responds to Jake Paul’s $200 million fight offer
Published
3 hours agoon
May 16, 2026
Jake Paul’s claim that he found $200 million specifically for a potential fight with Canelo Alvarez sparked a direct response from the Mexican champion.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer was scheduled to collide with Canelo in May 2025, but Turki Alalshikh stepped in and signed the then super middleweight king to a multi-fight contract.
It made Alvarez a two-time undisputed champion against William Scull before losing his four major titles in a unanimous decision loss to Terence Crawford last September.
However, since Crawford announced his retirement and vacated the belts, Canelo is scheduled to fight for the world title in September this year in Riyad, Saudi Arabia.
The most likely opponent seems to be WBC champion Christian Mbilli, who is coming off a fascinating draw with Lester Martinez on the Canelo-Crawford card.
However, despite this plan, Paul appears to be trying to get back into his game with the 35-year-old, insisting that a $200 million purse remains up for grabs.
The 29-year-old revealed the news on a live broadcast earlier this week, suggesting it is the “biggest fight” in boxing.
“Canelo, I have $200 million for you. Uncomplicated money. Jake Paul vs. Canelo – let’s finish it. This is what the fans have been waiting for; this is the biggest fight you can have in boxing. I think this will be the next fight.
Jake Paul just said Canelo Alvarez will be his next fight and he will pay him $200 million 🤯
“This is the biggest fight you can have in boxing. Jake Paul vs. Canelo. Official.” pic.twitter.com/QJRLuPjO9r
— Cheerful Punch (@HappyPunch) May 13, 2026
In response, Canelo simply posted three laughing emojis on his Instagram story, signaling that Paul’s offer was not to be taken seriously.
After all, there is A a chance the American may never box again, given the injuries he sustained to his jaw after being knocked out by Anthony Joshua in December.
Boxing
Jake Paul claims he would have made Canelo $300 million
Published
5 hours agoon
May 16, 2026
Jake Paul responded to Canelo Alvarez after the undisputed super middleweight champion previously reacted to talk of a potential fight between the two with laughing emojis on social media.
While greeting fans and media during a public appearance this week, Jake was asked what financial terms he believed would be needed to make the fight happen.
“Yes, 200 [million] for him 300[millionformeWe’llfinalizethedealEasywork”-PaulsaidintheinterviewwithFightHubTVwhenaskedaboutapossibledealCanelo[millionformeWe’llgetthedealdoneEasywork”saidPaultoFightHubTVwhenaskedaboutapossibledealwithCanelo[milionówdlamnieSfinalizujemytransakcjęŁatwapraca”–powiedziałPaulwrozmowiezFightHubTVzapytanyomożliwąumowęzCanelo[millionformeWe’llgetthedealdoneEasywork”saidPaultoFightHubTVwhenaskedaboutapossibledealwithCanelo
The comment immediately drew attention due to the huge figure associated with the fight. Jake has continued to call for a fight with Canelo over the past year, despite criticism from many boxing fans and fighters who viewed the fight as unrealistic.
Jake was then asked about Canelo and responded with laughing emojis when the topic of a fight between the two came up online.
“I don’t know what that means, but he won’t laugh when I kick his ass,” Paul said.
The rivalry between the two continues to escalate publicly through interviews and exchanges on social media, even though no official negotiations have been announced.
Jake has mentioned Canelo multiple times in interviews over the past year, keeping the possibility of a future fight circulating despite widespread skepticism in boxing circles.
Canelo is currently scheduled to face Christian Mbilli later this year in Riyad, Saudi Arabia, while Jake continues to rehabilitate from injuries suffered in his December 2025 fight against Anthony Joshua.

Tomek Galm is a boxing journalist covering the global fight landscape since 2014, specializing in heavyweight analysis, industry trends and fighter psychology.
Click here to sign up for our FREE newsletter
Related boxing news:
Last updated: 16/05/2026 at 7:21
Benavidez defeats Fury, AJ and Wilder
Canelo Alvarez responds to Jake Paul’s $200 million fight offer
‘I HAD TO F***ING GO FOR IT!’ Daniel Dubois Reacts To EXPLOSIVE KO Win Over Fabio Wardley
Pacquiao vs marquez competition: History of violence
Dmitry Menshikov statement in the February fight
Stephen Fulton Jr. becomes world champion in two weight by means of a decision
‘I HAD TO F***ING GO FOR IT!’ Daniel Dubois Reacts To EXPLOSIVE KO Win Over Fabio Wardley
“THERE IS A REMATCH CLAUSE!” – Frank Warren CONFIRMS Dubois vs Wardley REMATCH POSSIBILITY
Amir Khan WARNS Anthony Joshua That Comeback Opponent Could “FINISH” Tyson Fury Plans
Trending
-
Opinions & Features1 year agoPacquiao vs marquez competition: History of violence
-
MMA1 year agoDmitry Menshikov statement in the February fight
-
Results1 year agoStephen Fulton Jr. becomes world champion in two weight by means of a decision
-
Results1 year agoKeyshawn Davis Ko’s Berinchyk, when Xander Zayas moves to 21-0
-
Video1 year agoFrank Warren on Derek Chisora vs Otto Wallin – ‘I THOUGHT OTTO WOULD GIVE DEREK PROBLEMS!’
-
Analysis1 year agoRobert Garcia discusses the debate on the greatest Mexican warrior in history
-
Video1 year ago‘DEREK CHISORA RETIRE TONIGHT!’ – Anthony Yarde PLEADS for retirement after WALLIN
-
Results1 year agoLive: Catterall vs Barboza results and results card



