NORFOLK, Va. — Some 30 years ago was the last time the late boxing hall of famer Pernell "Sweetpea" Whitaker had a professional fight of any magnitude in his hometown of Norfolk. Whitaker would defend his WBC Welterweight crown in a 12-round unanimous decision over James "Buddy" McGirt in 1994.
Today, the next generation is taking the baton.
Lightweight contender and Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn "The Businessman" Davis, along with brothers Kelvin and Keon, announced at the Attucks Theater on Thursday afternoon that they would bring professional boxing back to the Scope on November 8.
They had local star power behind them, as well, that included Whitaker's long-time friend, Pro Football Hall of Famer and fellow Norfolk native Bruce Smith and Mayor Kenny Alexander. All three felt today was fulfilling a life long dream.
"I'm just coming to the fight to just fight," said Keyshawn (11-0, 7 KOs) who's facing Argentinian Gustavo Lemos (29-1, 19 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight main event.
"I'm going to do a lot of things around the fight before and after the fight."
Older brother Kelvin, known as "Nite Nite" Davis (13-0), is an up-and-coming junior welterweight, while younger brother Keon Davis will be making his professional debut.
Smith, who attended the announcement, said he is a big fan of the three brothers.
"We've been waiting for this for a long time," he told the audience in attendance.
Smith said he and Whitaker followed each other around the country during the early portions of their professional careers and he enjoys what the Davis brothers are doing.
"Now, to have these young men representing the city of Norfolk and putting us back on the map in terms of the sport of boxing, I just think it's outstanding," he said.
Keyshawn was amazed by Smith's reaction.
"I didn't know he used to stay that close with Sweetpea," he said. "It's crazy, because Michael Vick and "A.I" (Allen Iverson) were close together, too. So, people from this area and seeing other people make it out to that next level, we support each other."
In the process, they're bringing back what's possible to a community they grew up in.