Facing tough competition, Shaler graduate climbing women's boxing ranks

Jose Caraballo insists Colleen Davis was on the verge of springing a big upset on May 9 at the Caribe Royale Orlando. But Davis, a Shaler Area graduate, didn’t get to see if she could hand Elise Soto her first professional loss.

A clash of heads in the second round opened up a nasty cut above Davis’ right eye, forcing a stoppage to the bout. A no contest was declared at the Most Valuable Prospects 12 event.

Caraballo, who manages the Ray Schafer Boxing Association in Sharpsburg, where Davis trains, said the fight was going according to plan.

He would like a rematch but is open to all opportunities.

“When I asked Colleen how hard she hit after the first round, she said she hits like everyone else,” Caraballo said. “She outlanded her and outworked her. The announcers were complimenting Colleen’s footwork.”

Davis won the American Boxing Federation Inter-Continental super featherweight title in July 2023. Davis (4-2-1) won her last fight before the bout with Soto in November 2024 when she beat Lauren Michaels by split decision.

“I am getting better and better every day and every fight,” Davis said. “I keep tightening things up. This is the best camp I’ve had yet. My boxing IQ is going through the roof. This is like going to a college that you don’t graduate from.”

Davis would like a rematch with Soto but will have to wait out a 30-day medical suspension due to the cut before she can compete again. Caraballo hasn’t been shy about having Davis fight top prospects.

Davis went to Los Angeles last year to fight “Right Hook Roxy” Iyana Verduzco, an undefeated fighter with an extensive amateur background. Davis lost via decision.

Davis said she enjoyed the experience.

“I got a taste of traveling in the amateurs,” Davis said. “I am living my dream.”

Caraballo hopes to keep finding Davis’s top competition. Fighting on the MVP Prospects card was a big step toward more exposure. Jake Paul co-founded the promotion.

“When you pull up BoxRec, you aren’t going to see Colleen fighting against women with records like 3-20 or 2-13,” Caraballo said. “We always want to fight someone who is higher ranked. Colleen has the ability to fight top opponents.”

Davis said she is happy with her progress. She believes the fight with Soto showed that she can successfully execute a game plan against a dangerous opponent.

Soto entered the fight with a 7-0 record and seven knockouts.

“I want to fight against top fighters, keep climbing the ranks and be on bigger platforms,” Davis said. “I’m a prizefighter. I’m here for the duration. I want to continue to make money and climb the rankings.”