Former European lightweight titlist Francesco Patera will face rising force Keyshawn Davis, on Saturday, at FireLake Arena, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, in support of the main event between George Kambosos Jr. vs. Maxi Hughes.

Patera has long wanted to test himself against the best fighters at 135 pounds and now finally gets that opportunity against the uber-talented American.

“I’m really happy with this fight. This is a chance for me to show and prove myself in the States against a good opponent and prospect,” Patera (28-3, 10 knockouts) told The Ring. “He’s a smart fighter and very confident. We will see on fight night how good he is, I know me and I know I will be ready.

“I respect his skills but I only see myself winning on July 22.”

The 30-year-old Belgium stylist turned professional in 2012 and though he lost three fights in an 17-month spell, has been unbeaten in his last 10 fights, since dropping a unanimous decision to Edis Tatli in December 2017.

He gained acclaim on the European scene when he impressively bested previously unbeaten Lewis Ritson (SD 12) in front of the Brit’s home fans in Newcastle, England. That win saw him claim the European title. Subsequent defenses over Marvin Petit (UD 12), Paul Hyland Jr. (TKO 6) and Domenico Valentino (UD 12) followed and Patera seemed primed for bigger things on the world stage.

However, like many others, his plans were greatly impacted by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, he has ticked over waiting for something more significant.

Now Patera, who is the 12-to-one underdog, gets that chance when he attempts to upset Davis’ march toward a world title and create his own path.

“I’m the more seasoned pro and have more experience,” he countered. “I think this will help me in the fight but it’s not the most important. I believe smartness and a solid game plan is the most important.

“I believe that a win in this fight would put me in line for a world title, if not that, other big fights.”

Davis (8-0, 6 KOs) was an amateur standout, who won silver at the 2019 World Championships and 2020 Olympics before turning professional in early 2021. The 24-year-old’s transition has been seamless. He has notably shut out grizzled former 130-pound title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos (UD 8) and, most recently, took out Anthony Yigit (TKO 9). He is The Ring’s “2022 Prospect of The Year.”

So far, Davis’ superlative skills have seen him rise above the opposition. This is a solid step up but one he will be expected to successfully make. Patera is a savvy boxer and might give Davis a problem or two but I don’t see him winning or pushing the touted American. I expect Davis to win and win well, perhaps earning a late stoppage.

Kambosos-Hughes, plus undercard bouts, will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT.

Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at [email protected] and you can follow him on Twitter @AnsonWainwright.

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