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| Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank |
The tension is already sky-high—literally. In a dramatic kickoff to fight week, WBO lightweight champion Denys Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs) and rising contender Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs) squared off more than 100 stories above New York City at the One World Observatory.
The face-off at One World Trade Center set the tone for Friday night’s highly anticipated world title bout at Madison Square Garden’s Theater, where the two unbeaten fighters will settle their differences under the bright lights of ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ (9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT).
Tension Rises as Davis Tests Berinchyk’s Patience
At first, the face-off seemed respectful—until Keyshawn Davis repeatedly touched Berinchyk’s WBO world title belt. The move clearly irked the Ukrainian champion, leading to a tense exchange of words before officials stepped in to separate them.
Davis, nicknamed "The Businessman," has made it clear that he's here to take Berinchyk’s belt and become the next superstar at 135 pounds. But Berinchyk, an Olympic silver medalist and one of the most durable lightweights in the division, is prepared to silence the American prospect and defend his throne.
The two will face off again at Wednesday’s final press conference before stepping on the scales Thursday at the official weigh-in.
Star-Studded Card Features Xander Zayas, Vito Mielnicki Jr., and More
This ESPN fight night is stacked from top to bottom, featuring three undefeated showdowns:
- Xander Zayas (20-0, 12 KOs) vs. Slawa Spomer (20-0, 11 KOs) – Zayas defends his NABO and NABF junior middleweight titles.
- Vito Mielnicki Jr. (20-1, 12 KOs) vs. Connor Coyle (21-0, 9 KOs) – A high-stakes 10-round middleweight clash.
The undercard, streaming on ESPN+ (5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT), features rising stars like Abdullah Mason, Jared Anderson, Tiger Johnson, and Nico Ali Walsh.
Fight Week Schedule: How to Watch Live
🔥 Wednesday, Feb. 12 – Final Press Conference
📍 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT
📺 Streaming live on Top Rank's YouTube, X (Twitter), and Facebook
🔥 Thursday, Feb. 13 – Official Weigh-In
📍 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT
📺 Streaming live on Top Rank's YouTube, X (Twitter), and Facebook
🔥 Friday, Feb. 14 – Fight Night
📍 Undercard (5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT) – LIVE on ESPN+
📍 Main Card (9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT) – LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+
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