Vinny's Corner

As the boxing world gears up for one of the most anticipated cards of early 2026, the co-main event pits rising star Keyshawn Davis against seasoned contender Jamaine Ortiz in a super lightweight bout set for January 31 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 0

This fight serves as part of the “Ring VI” event, headlined by Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson, and promises to deliver high-level action between two skilled technicians. 1 With Davis looking to rebound and reassert his dominance after a tumultuous 2025, and Ortiz aiming to capitalize on his experience against elite competition, this matchup could be a turning point for both fighters.

Breakdown of the Fighters

Keyshawn Davis, nicknamed “The Businessman,” enters this bout with an unblemished professional record of 13-0, including 9 knockouts. At 26 years old, the Norfolk, Virginia native stands at 5’9″ with a 70-inch reach and fights in an orthodox stance.

Davis is a decorated amateur, having earned a silver medal in the lightweight division at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, along with silvers at the 2019 World Championships and Pan American Games. Turning pro in 2021, Davis quickly rose through the ranks with impressive performances. His notable wins include a knockout victory over former title challenger Gustavo Daniel Lemos in November 2024 and a fourth-round KO of Denys Berinchyk in February 2025 to capture the WBO lightweight title.

However, 2025 wasn’t without controversy; Davis was stripped of his WBO title after coming in 4.3 pounds overweight for a defense against Edwin De Los Santos in June. This weight miss prompted his move up to super lightweight, where he aims to rebuild momentum.

Davis is known for his elite boxing IQ, composure under pressure, and a blend of speed, power, and technical finesse. His 69% knockout rate highlights his finishing ability, often overwhelming opponents with precise combinations and ring generalship. With only 13 pro fights under his belt, Davis is still developing but has shown he can handle step-up competition.

Jamaine Ortiz, dubbed “The Technician,” brings a more experienced resume to the ring with a record of 20-2-1 and 10 knockouts. The 29-year-old from Worcester, Massachusetts measures 5’8″ with a 69-inch reach and also employs an orthodox stance. 20 Ortiz turned pro in 2016 after a strong amateur career boasting over 100 wins.

Ortiz has faced top-tier opposition, including a unanimous decision loss to Vasyl Lomachenko in October 2022 and another UD defeat to Teofimo Lopez in February 2024 for the WBO junior welterweight title. These setbacks haven’t deterred him; he’s rebounded with three straight wins in 2024-2025, including a third-round TKO over Ambiorix Bautista in August 2025 to defend his WBA Continental Americas super lightweight belt. 28 A highlight of his career was an upset unanimous decision over former champion Jamel Herring in May 2021, capturing the NABF and IBF USBA lightweight titles.

Ortiz’s style lives up to his nickname—he’s a durable, tactical boxer with excellent footwork, defense, and counterpunching ability. His 43% KO rate is lower than Davis’s, but he’s never been stopped, showcasing his resilience in going the distance against pound-for-pound greats. With 23 pro fights, Ortiz’s experience could be key in a grueling contest.

Fight Analysis

This fight represents a classic clash of youth versus experience. Davis, moving up to 140 pounds after weight struggles at lightweight, brings explosive power and untapped potential. His Olympic pedigree and high KO percentage suggest he could overwhelm Ortiz if he lands clean early. However, Davis’s relative inexperience, only 13 fights compared to Ortiz’s 23, might be exposed if the bout goes into the later rounds.

Ortiz, on the other hand, has proven he can hang with the best, as evidenced by his competitive showings against Lomachenko and Lopez. His technical prowess and durability make him a live underdog; he’s adept at using his jab to control distance and counter effectively. The question is whether Ortiz can weather Davis’s power surges and drag him into deep waters, where his experience might prevail.

At super lightweight, Davis could feel more comfortable without the drain of making 135, potentially leading to a stronger performance. Ortiz, a natural at the weight, has the tools to frustrate, but Davis’s speed and ring IQ might allow him to outmaneuver the veteran. Expect a chess match early, with the potential for fireworks if Davis presses the action.

Official Pick

While Ortiz’s battle-tested resume makes this intriguing, I lean toward Keyshawn Davis to win by late stoppage or unanimous decision. His combination of power, skill, and motivation to redeem a rocky 2025 should prove too much for Ortiz, who has struggled against elite talents in the past. Prediction: Davis TKO in round 9.

Where to Watch

The Keyshawn Davis vs. Jamaine Ortiz fight will be broadcast live on DAZN PPV, starting at 7:00 PM ET on January 31, 2026. Fans can stream the event via the DAZN app or website, with preliminary bouts potentially available on DAZN’s free stream. Check local listings for international viewing options, as the card is expected to draw a global audience.

By Vincent