The WBO has confirmed that Keyshawn Davis will not proceed with his ordered welterweight title fight against champion Devin Haney.
The organization said it received formal written notice from Davis declining the purse-bid process and refusing to participate in the championship contest. No reason was given for his decision.
Top Rank had won promotional rights to the fight with an $8.55 million bid. Under the WBO’s ordered 75-25 split, Davis was set to receive approximately $2.14 million before any contractual deductions.
The matter will now be reviewed by the WBO Championship Committee and Ratings Committee, which will decide how to handle the mandatory position and determine Haney’s next title obligation.
Davis’ withdrawal could reopen the possibility of Haney facing Shakur Stevenson. The mandatory order had prevented Haney from freely pursuing another major fight while the Davis bout remained active.
A Haney-Stevenson matchup would also be a significant opportunity for Zuffa Boxing, which recently signed Stevenson and is seeking major events involving its new welterweight star.
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