As the boxing world gears up for a thrilling summer of lightweight action, Bob Arum, the legendary promoter, is optimistic about the upcoming bout between Keyshawn Davis and Edwin De Los Santos on June 7, 2025. Arum believes this matchup will be far more entertaining than Shakur Stevenson’s previous fight against De Los Santos, which left many fans disappointed.
In November 2023, Stevenson faced De Los Santos at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where he won by unanimous decision to claim the vacant WBC lightweight title. However, Stevenson’s performance was marred by lingering hand and shoulder injuries, which he later revealed impacted his ability to engage effectively in the fight. Critics were quick to label the bout as boring, with Stevenson’s cautious approach drawing ire from fans who expected a more dynamic display.
“Shakur has a different philosophy [than Davis],” Arum commented, highlighting the contrasting styles of the two fighters. “Shakur is a defensive wizard who knows how to win fights. But he, maybe because he doesn’t have the same type of equipment [as Davis], is not as aggressive of a fighter.” Davis, on the other hand, has shown a commitment to entertaining fans, especially after his fight against Nahir Albright in October 2023 was declared a no-contest due to a positive marijuana test.
Since that incident, Davis has bounced back impressively, boasting a record of 4-0, with three of those victories coming by way of knockout. Most notably, he captured the WBO lightweight title on February 14, 2025, by dominating Ukrainian Denys Berinchyk at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York. Now, at just 26 years old, Davis brings a record of 13 wins, 9 knockouts, and 1 no-contest into his title defense against De Los Santos, who holds a record of 16-2 with 14 knockouts.
The fight is set to take place at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, and will be aired live on ESPN. Davis’s explosive style is expected to resonate well with the local crowd, and Arum is confident that the young fighter will deliver an exciting performance. “I expect him to be a fan-friendly fighter,” Arum remarked, emphasizing the importance of crowd engagement in boxing.
While Davis prepares for his title defense, Stevenson is also looking to make a statement of his own. He is scheduled to face William Zepeda on July 12, 2025, in New York City, defending his WBC lightweight title against an interim champion known for his high-volume punching. Zepeda, who boasts an undefeated record of 33-0 with 27 knockouts, presents a significant challenge for Stevenson, who has been under pressure following his recent lackluster performances.
Stevenson, who remains unbeaten with a record of 23 wins and 11 knockouts, is aware of the scrutiny surrounding his fighting style. His defensive approach has drawn criticism from fans who fear he may turn the Zepeda fight into another dull encounter. “I’m the best fighter in the world still undefeated for that reason,” Stevenson tweeted, expressing his confidence ahead of the match. However, he also acknowledged the need to adapt his strategy against Zepeda, who is known for his aggressive style.
Despite his accolades, Stevenson faces a dilemma: he either engages in a toe-to-toe battle with Zepeda, risking a knockout, or he resorts to his defensive tactics, which could lead to boos from the crowd. The potential for another lackluster performance could jeopardize his marketability, especially as he looks to secure a high-profile fight against Gervonta Davis in the future.
“If he backs up all night and doesn’t engage, that might not happen,” said one boxing analyst, highlighting the stakes involved in Stevenson’s upcoming fight. The pressure is on for Stevenson to prove he can deliver an exciting performance while also maintaining his undefeated record.
As both fighters prepare for their respective bouts, the boxing community is abuzz with anticipation. Davis’s title defense against De Los Santos promises to be a showcase of power and skill, while Stevenson’s clash with Zepeda could redefine his career trajectory. With contrasting styles and high stakes, the summer of 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the lightweight division.
In the end, Arum’s insights into the fighters’ philosophies shed light on the broader narrative at play in boxing today. As he noted, “Each of them has very, very interesting styles. But at this point, they are diametrically opposite styles.” With Davis and Stevenson both on the cusp of significant fights, fans are left to wonder how their paths will unfold in the competitive landscape of boxing.
