Ex-champ Jeison Rosario faces face Kyrone Davis on Sept. 26 in Philly
Former unified junior middleweight champion Jeison “Banana” Rosario will return to the city where he scored the biggest victory of his career when he faces Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis in a 10-round middleweight main event on Sept. 26 at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
The card, billed as South Philly Showdown, will be presented by Rising Star Promotions in association with Sampson Boxing and Boots Promotions.
Unbeaten prospect Thomas Blumenfeld (12-0, 10 KOs) is expected to compete in the co-main event against an opponent to be named, NJ Boxing News was informed last week.
Rosario (24-5-2, 18 KOs) captured the WBA and IBF junior middleweight titles at the same venue in January 2020, stopping Philadelphia native Julian “J-Rock” Williams in the fifth round of a major upset.
The 31-year-old Dominican later faced Jermell Charlo in a junior middleweight title unification bout, losing by eighth-round knockout. Rosario now returns to Philadelphia seeking a victory that could revive his championship aspirations.
Davis (20-4-1, 6 KOs), a native of Wilmington, Delaware, has built his career by accepting difficult assignments against highly regarded opponents.
The 31-year-old has faced former two-division champion David Benavidez, former WBC super middleweight titleholder Anthony Dirrell and unbeaten Cuban middleweight Yoenli Hernandez. Davis also earned a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten contender Elijah Garcia in June 2024.
“This is exactly the type of fight we want to bring to Philadelphia,” said Rising Star Promotions president Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna. “Kyrone has never backed away from a challenge, and Jeison has already proven himself on boxing’s biggest stages as a unified world champion. When you match two experienced professionals who are still chasing championship opportunities, you get meaningful fights. That’s what this event is all about.”
Davis said a victory over Rosario would strengthen his case for another significant opportunity in the middleweight division.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity,” Davis said. “I’ve always believed that if you want to become the best, you have to fight the best. Rosario is a former unified world champion, and I know exactly what a win over someone like him means. I’m looking forward to putting on a great performance for the fans on September 26.”
Rosario said Philadelphia remains a meaningful location in his career because of his championship victory over Williams.
“Philadelphia has been a special city in my career,” Rosario said. “I won my world titles there, and I’m excited to come back. Kyrone is a tough fighter who has earned my respect, but I’m coming to win and show everyone that I still have what it takes to compete at the highest level.”
The event will mark Rising Star Promotions’ return to 2300 Arena following its June show at the South Philadelphia venue.
Tickets are available through 2300Arena.com. Additional bouts are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.