One of boxing’s most anticipated welterweight matchups is officially off. Keyshawn Davis has declined to move forward with his ordered WBO welterweight title fight against champion Devin Haney, turning down what would have been the largest purse of his professional career.
According to The Ring’s Mike Coppinger, Davis’ team informed the World Boxing Organization on Friday that the unbeaten contender would not accept the mandatory championship opportunity, ending negotiations just one day after Top Rank secured promotional rights for the fight.
Davis Walks Away From Career Payday
Top Rank won Thursday’s purse bid at WBO headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico, submitting a winning offer of $8.55 million. Under WBO rules governing mandatory title defenses, Haney was set to receive 75 percent of the purse approximately $6.4 million while Davis would have earned the remaining 25 percent, worth just over $2.1 million.
The Norfolk, Virginia native had until 11 a.m. ET Saturday to formally accept the bout but instead elected to withdraw from the opportunity.
The matchup had been viewed as one of the premier fights available in the welterweight division. Haney, one of boxing’s most accomplished champions, was preparing to make the first defense of the WBO title he captured from Brian Norman Jr.
Davis, meanwhile, was looking to become a two-division world champion after previously holding the WBO lightweight title. Instead, the highly anticipated showdown will not take place.
Davis’ decision removes one of the sport’s most compelling potential matchups from the calendar and leaves the WBO welterweight title picture in flux. While Haney remains firmly atop the division, the search is now underway for an opponent willing to challenge one of boxing’s most accomplished champions.
For now, the biggest question isn’t who can beat Devin Haney. It’s who will step up to face him.
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
