By Mallory Mattingly
Professional boxer Keyshawn Davis prepped for his fight against Jamaine Ortiz by praising God.
The athlete walked out to the song “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans, before he went on to win by knockout in the 12th round, per Christhlete.
He has experienced God’s goodness firsthand. When Davis first emerged in the boxing world, he was highly addicted to marijuana. However, he has since quit smoking and decided to dedicate his life to God.
Related: Boxer Tyson Fury Trusts God Whether He Wins or Loses
“I’ve been through serious mental health [issues],” Davis said in an interview on Cigar Talk. “Back then, before I was even on the [Olympic] team, I used to do things to harm myself. I went to the mental home. I was on medication for my mental health daily. Just throughout that process I was still smoking.”
“Ever since I did put the weed down, I’ve been a way better person, man,” the lightweight champion continued. “My coaches see — they say that I got way more energy. Even people at the UFC facility [in Las Vegas], where I train, they’re like, ‘I don’t know, Keyshawn, there’s just something different about you with this camp. I feel like you’re just taking it more seriously.’ Like I said, I had to ask God and reflect on myself to really overcome that addiction.”
In fact, it was his faith in God that really convicted him to make a change.
“It wasn’t until I made a promise to God that I was gonna stop smoking,” the athlete recalled. “I didn’t honor that promise, right? Days go past, and something doesn’t feel right. Long story short, I was like, ‘Yo, I just lied to God.’ The first chance I got, I started smoking. I repented. I really felt bad. Like I really did this. And honestly, after I did that, God took my urge away. I had an encounter with God, honestly. Ever since that day I repented and really felt bad, I never had the urge again.”
When it comes to boxing, Davis doesn’t care who he fights because his goal is greater than winning.
“I really will fight anybody at the end of the day. Like it’s not about one person, not about two people at the end of the day. Man, I’m in this sport to really, like, spread the word of God,” he declared in a video shared on TikTok. “Honestly, like I wouldn’t be here without Him. I feel like God put me in this position because He knows that I’m gonna lift Him up in the shadows and in the light, you know, even in times like this, you know, that’s my only goal.”
Davis continued: “So people are like, ‘Dang, Keyshawn, you done went through a lot during this fight week. You know, your sister got in a car accident the day of your fight. You know, like how do you stay focused, how you keep confidence?’ I believe in God. I really believe that God got me in this position because He wants me in this position. And when I walk in that ring, I know I got God right here and right here behind me, my third eye, all that, you know what I’m saying. So I really believe in Him, man. And I know God got me in this position for a real reason, a reason bigger than boxing.”
@mworthofgame TONIGHT WITH Keyshawn Davis 🔥
From battling addiction and serious mental health struggles to walking into the ring to worship music, it’s incredible to see Davis use his boxing career to spread the gospel.
Read Next: Pro Boxer Led Bible Studies Each Night Before Fights in Las Vegas
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