Gustavo Lemos stands within the middle of the ring after stopping Javier Clavero – Photograph by Nelson Quispe/Boxeo de Primera
Argentina’s Gustavo Lemos has had his share of ups and down in weight, like most fighters looking for their middle.
At one level he was the No. 1 contender for the IBF belt at 135 kilos and he needed to forego that chance resulting from his lack of ability to make weight. However now, after two fights at 140 and a 1-1 document together with an in depth choice loss in his first time overseas, Lemos is on the best way again to 135, a weight class he claims he by no means left, to face rising contender Keyshawn Davis in a 10-round important occasion on Friday, Nov. 8, at Scope Area in Norfolk, Virginia.
“I’m a light-weight,” claims Lemos (29-1, 19 knockouts) throughout a telephone interview. “In my final battle we have been OK and effectively beneath the divisional restrict, and when this chance got here up at 135 we took it as a result of we knew we have been going to have the ability to make this weight. I acquired this chance to battle on this class the place I really feel stronger, and we’re going to make a distinction right here. I consider we’re going to be sturdy for this light-weight battle. Davis will certainly really feel the ability.”
Lemos is returning to the light-weight division for the primary time in over two years. He final fought at 135 kilos in March 2022 when he stopped British former world champion Lee Selby in 5 rounds in Buenos Aires’ fabled Luna Park Stadium entrance of his hometown followers. However then it took him greater than a yr to return to motion, amid claims of cancelled fights and lack of ability to make 135 anymore. He lastly had his comeback in December 2023, stopping Javier Jose Clavero within the opening spherical and setting the stage for his American debut in April.
Though that battle didn’t go his approach, he certainly earned various followers together with his come-forward perspective and his punching energy.
“We did nice final time,” mentioned the 28-year-old Lemos about his first foray overseas, which passed off in opposition to Richardson Hitchins again in April in Las Vegas. “Now that now we have some expertise with this I consider we’ll really feel extra comfy. Clearly we’re all the time in overseas territory, nevertheless it’s not an issue for me. As soon as I get into the ring my persona adjustments a hundred percent. I battle the identical approach I’d battle in my very own yard.”
The battle in opposition to Hitchins was an IBF junior welterweight world title eliminator, which hinted at a change of division for Lemos, however he’s now on the point of drop 5 additional kilos to tackle a legit light-weight contender and U.S. Olympic silver medalist.
Lemos seems to be unimpressed by these credentials.
“I don’t examine my opponents, I by no means studied something from my opponents. I do know he went to the Olympics, and that he’s doing effectively. He thinks he’s one of the best within the division, or he feels he’ll be one of the best sooner or later. However first he’ll must undergo me,” mentioned Lemos, who doesn’t see Davis’ peak and attain benefits as troubling both.
Gustavo Lemos (left) strikes in for the kill in opposition to Lee Selby (proper) in Buenos Aires, Argentina on March twenty sixth – Photograph by Juan Montani
“I’m used to battle taller guys. Hitchins was a lot taller than me and had a much bigger body, and a few punching energy. Let’s hope that (Davis) will come to battle, as an alternative of getting on the bike within the first few rounds and run away from me. I hope we can provide the followers a great present.”
With the heartbreak of the Hitchins battle nonetheless contemporary in his reminiscence, Lemos claims that he’s nonetheless as targeted on this battle as he needs to be.
“It motivates me to coach more durable,” mentioned Lemos about his solely defeat to this point. “We’re coaching onerous and in good conscience. We’re not stopping, and we’re comfortable to have gotten the decision once more from High Rank. I had lots of help from my household and from lots of people who noticed me profitable, not solely in Argentina. The defeat didn’t have an effect on me, it’s only a quantity on a board proper now. Clearly, after the battle one thinks about all of what we might have carried out. We have been in good situation however Hitchins fought a great battle, and that’s all.”
Ought to Lemos beat Davis, he’ll must be in one of the best form of his life if he actually needs to deal with the challenges that he has in thoughts for the longer term.
“We really feel that after we win this battle we will go after one of the best recognized fighters, like (Vasyl) Lomachenko, or (George) Kambosos (Jr.). However first now we have to take this check,” mentioned Lemos. “First, I’ve to deal with Davis. After that, the fights will come alongside. I simply hope it’s a great battle and individuals are happy with the job we’re going to do.”
Davis (11-0, 7 KOs), rated at No. 7 by The Ring at light-weight, started the yr with a sixth-round TKO of former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza. 5 months later, he dominated Mexican puncher Miguel Madueño over 10 rounds. He now makes his headlining debut in a homecoming occasion that may even characteristic his older brother, rising junior welterweight Kelvin “Night time Night time” Davis (13-0, 7 KOs), preventing Yeis Solano (15-3, 10 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Keyshawn’s youthful brother, U.S. Olympic Trials champion Keon Davis, will make his professional debut in a four-round welterweight contest.
Your entire Davis–Lemos card will stream reside and solely within the U.S. on ESPN+.
Diego M. Morilla has been writing for The Ring since 2013. He has additionally written for HBO.com, ESPN.com and lots of different magazines, web sites, newspapers and shops since 1993. He’s a full member of the Boxing Writers Affiliation of America and an elector for the Worldwide Boxing Corridor of Fame. He has received two first-place awards within the BWAA’s annual writing contest, and he’s the moderator of The Ring’s Girls’s Scores Panel. He served as copy editor for the second period of The Ring en Español (2018-2020) and is at the moment a author and editor for RingTV.com.
