Top Rank has said it is “disgusted” by an alleged racist act in the lead-up to Keyshawn Davis vs Denys Berinchyk, after Davis accused his opponent of sending him a box of bananas and a watermelon.
Davis made the accusation against the Ukrainian at a press conference on Wednesday (13 February), ahead of Friday’s fight for Berinchyk’s WBO lightweight belt.
The American, 25, said: “I wanna address the fact that this guy came to America to give me bananas and a watermelon with a note on it. It’s unprofessional, and I feel like it’s racist, and you just made this fight a little more personal.
“You all heard what I said: this man brought a box of bananas and a watermelon to America to bring to my room, and I just took it as racist.” Davis also posted a photo of the alleged delivery from Berinchyk on social media.
Berinchyk, whose response was translated into English by his promoter Alex Krassyuk, denied the accusation.
He said: “First thing I wanna say is that I don’t speak English and I don’t write English. I saw his message on the media. It’s weird even to mention this. Some people with bad intentions, looking for some hype, made this...”
Davis hit back: “He ain’t say all that. Look, y’all did it, it’s okay that y’all did it, I’m gonna whoop your ass for it. So, just come Friday night.” Berinchyk, 36, responded: “First thing you need to do is make weight.”
Then, during a face-off between the unbeaten boxers, Davis repeatedly called Berinchyk “racist”.
Top Rank, which is holding the event at Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City, later issued a statement on the matter.
“Top Rank is appalled and disgusted by the actions of individual(s) that delivered the package to Keyshawn Davis,” the promotional company wrote.
“These actions are contrary to the foundation of Top Rank. There is no place for this in sports or society. Keyshawn has our full support.”
The Independent has approached a representative of Berinchyk for comment.
