WBO Confirms Keyshawn Davis Withdraws From Devin Haney Fight

“The WBO has received formal written notice that Keyshawn Davis has declined the purse bid adjudication and will not participate in the ordered championship contest against Devin Haney. The matter will now be referred to the WBO Championship Committee and Ratings Committee for the appropriate ruling under the WBO World Championship Rules and Regulations.”

Top Rank secured promotional rights to the fight Thursday with a winning bid of $8.55 million. Under the WBO’s ordered 75-25 split, Devin Haney was in line for the champion’s share while Davis would have received the challenger’s portion, approximately $2.14 million before any contractual deductions.

The WBO did not provide a reason for Davis’ decision. The case now moves to the organization’s Championship Committee and Ratings Committee, which will determine the next step under its championship rules.

The decision also reopens the conversation around Haney facing Shakur Stevenson. The WBO’s mandatory order effectively froze that matchup while Haney dealt with his title obligation. If the sanctioning body removes Davis from the mandatory position, Haney may regain the flexibility to pursue one of the biggest fights available at welterweight, assuming both sides remain interested.

That outcome would also benefit Zuffa Boxing. The promotion committed significant money to sign Shakur and needs marquee events to justify that investment. A Haney fight would rank among the richest matchups available at welterweight while giving Zuffa one of the signature attractions it envisioned when Shakur joined the roster.