Devin Haney has officially been ordered to begin negotiations for a mandatory WBO welterweight title defense against Keyshawn Davis.
WBO president Gustavo Olivieri confirmed that the organization’s Championship Committee has ordered talks between Haney and Davis, who is the WBO’s No. 1-ranked contender and mandatory challenger at 147lbs.
Both sides have been given 20 days to reach an agreement. If no deal is made within that period, either side can request a purse bid.
Under WBO rules, Haney would receive 75 percent of the winning bid as champion, while Davis would receive 25 percent as the mandatory challenger.
The order brings clarity to Haney’s next step after winning the WBO welterweight title. There had been talk of a possible catchweight fight with Shakur Stevenson, but the mandatory now gives Davis first claim to the belt.
Davis has moved into the No. 1 position despite limited experience at welterweight, which has created debate among fans. Still, the unbeaten former Olympic silver medalist is now one deal away from his first world title shot at 147lbs.
Image Credit: The Ring