“I Got Way More Energy”: Keyshawn Davis Claims to Have Become a ‘Better Person’ Since Quitting Marijuana After Facing 90 Days of Suspension

Published 02/02/2024, 4:36 PM EST

On October 14, Keyshawn Davis maintained his undefeated record at 10-0 with a lackluster victory over Nahir Albright in Houston, Texas. After his fight, Davis tested positive for marijuana. While marijuana is legal in many states for recreational use, it remains illegal in Texas. As a result, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issued a 90-day suspension for Davis. This disciplinary action forced his majority win in the fight to be changed to a No-Contest. However, since then, things have changed for Davis.

Originally scheduled to appear on the December 9 ESPN card in Florida, he had to sit out the rest of 2023. Now, as his fight with Jose Pedraza on February 8 draws closer, Davis has made some amendments for the better. In an interview on Cigar Talk, Davis revealed how the suspension helped him become a better person.

Keyshawn Davis reveals marijuana worsened his mental health

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While some boxers claim marijuana helps keep them sane, such was not the case for Davis. The reason he started taking the drug in the first place was due to severe mental health issues. Such was the condition that he resorted to self-harm and had to get himself checked and put on medication.

“Back then, before I was even on the team, I used to do things to harm myself. Yeah, I went to the mental home. I was on medication for mental health daily and just throughout that process I was still smoking. Through the mental home, once I got out of the mental home, it was Halloween. The first thing I did was smoke on the medication,” he said, revealing that the smoking issue was getting out of hand now.

Even after being on medications, Davis could not stop himself from taking marijuana till one day realization set in and he reflected on how he had been handling his issues. Fortunately, for the young boxer, he is getting better with each passing day. “I’m overcoming it right now as we speak. Ever since I did put the weed down, I’ve been a way better person. My coach is seeing it. They say I got way more energy,” he added.

It is not only him noticing the changes, but also his coach and the UFC facility where he is currently training. They are finding him more involved in the camps now. Moreover, Davis is not alone; there are many who are expressing their support before the bout.

The pros are backing the ‘Businessman’

Top Rank boss Bob Arum, who is Davis’ promoter, has expressed optimism ahead of Davis’ bout with Pedraza, praising him as one of the greatest U.S. amateur fighters who has transitioned well into the professional arena. Even boxing icon Floyd Mayweather Jr., a strong supporter, commended Davis’s skills, stating he possesses everything he needed for success. “He’s a helluva fighter,” he said.

Keyshawn Davis, one of the greatest amateur fighters the U.S. produced, has had a great pro career so far. He now faces his toughest test when he opposes Jose Pedraza on the Lopez-Ortiz card at Mandalay Bay next Thursday.
— Bob Arum (@BobArum) February 1, 2024

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Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, a former two-weight world champion, has been thoroughly impressed, describing Davis as a “serial killer” in the ring. Bradley highlighted Davis’ consistent approach, mentally breaking down opponents before delivering decisive knockouts.

Watch This Story: Keyshawn Davis vs. Francesco Patera Stats: Record, Age, Height, Reach, and Knockout Ratio

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Davis has shown incredible conviction and respect for the sport by acknowledging his addiction publicly and mending his ways to benefit himself and set a good example for the fans. What do you think of this transformation of the boxer? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

The Greatest aka Muhammad Ali would always say, “We can’t be brave without fear.” I am a Boxing author at EssentiallySports and was first drawn to the boxing gym when a friend of mine came to meet me with her hand wraps still on. After arranging enough resources, I joined the gym and eventually tried my hand at MMA as well.

Edited by:

Gokul Pillai

“I Got Way More Energy”: Keyshawn Davis Claims to Have Become a ‘Better Person’ Since Quitting Marijuana After Facing 90 Days of Suspension

Keyshawn Davis reveals marijuana worsened his mental health

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The pros are backing the ‘Businessman’