The former champion believes Davis’ mid-range counter punching and fast combinations could expose the same vulnerabilities Ryan Garcia exploited against the WBO welterweight champion
Tim Bradley believes Keyshawn Davis has the style to trouble Devin Haney if they meet for the WBO welterweight title later this year. As negotiations begin for the mandatory championship fight, Bradley says Davis’ timing, counter punching and work at mid-range could force Haney into another difficult tactical battle.
“It’s gonna be a tough fight for Haney. I definitely feel like Haney has more experience, but I have been watching both styles,” said Bradley on his YouTube channel.
“The thing about Keyshawn Davis is that he’s so good at mid-range. Keyshawn can be right in front of you, make you miss, and be right there to counter you.”
“But not falling in with his counters. He lets his shots fly, similar to the way Ryan Garcia throws his combinations.
“Ryan Garcia throws his combinations before his feet go with him… and that gave Haney issues. Haney’s not going to like being uncomfortable like that, because Keyshawn is going to come forward.”
Bradley added that Devin will likely look to clinch whenever Keyshawn closes the distance, but he believes that will depend heavily on the referee assigned to the fight. A strict official, such as Thomas Taylor, could limit Haney’s ability to tie Davis up on the inside.
The WBO recently ordered Haney and Keyshawn to begin negotiations for the mandatory title fight. If an agreement cannot be reached, the sanctioning body could schedule a purse bid. Haney captured the WBO welterweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Brian Norman Jr. last November, while Keyshawn secured his mandatory position by outpointing Nahir Albright in May.
Bradley’s comparison to Ryan Garcia is understandable because Garcia’s hand speed and willingness to fire combinations before Haney could set his feet disrupted the champion throughout their fight. Keyshawn brings a different style, but Bradley believes his ability to operate at mid-range and counter in the pocket could present similar problems.