On Monday, the World Boxing Organization officially notified world welterweight champ Devon Haney that they want him to fight Keyshawn Davis next with their ordering of a purse bid for the proposed bout later this year.
On Monday, the World Boxing Organization officially notified welterweight world champion Devon Haney that it has ordered a purse bid for a potential title fight against Keyshawn Davis later this year.
The bout has been rumored for several weeks, as Haney hasn't agreed to fight the WBO's top challenger going back to win he won the title late last year with an impressive 12 round decision over champ Brian Norman in Saudi Arabia.
From the WBO's social media, President Gustavo Olivieri made this statement,
"The WBO World Championship Committee has officially ordered purse bid proceedings for the WBO Welterweight Championship Contest between Devin Haney and Keyshawn Davis, pursuant to the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests," the statement reads.
"The minimum bid is US $200,000, with the purse distribution established at 75% to Haney and 25% to Davis.
The purse bid will be conducted on Monday, July 27, 2026, at WBO Headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and will be live streamed across the WBO’s official social media platforms.
The official WBO Purse Bid Notice containing the applicable terms, conditions, and regulatory requirements will be published later today through the WBO’s official website and social media platforms"
As we wrote previously, the WBO had told Haney, 33-0, 15 KOs, and Davis to negotiate a deal a few weeks ago and that the purse bid, which would be more favorable to Haney, as their champion would be ordered.
Haney is the former undisputed lightweight champion and also won the WBC 130 lb. world title with a dominant decision over Regis Prograis in December 2023.
Meanwhile, the 27 year old Davis owns a perfect 15-0 record with 10 KOs. He most recently returned to the ring on May 16, earning a unanimous decision over Nahir Albright in their rematch, which headlined a Top Rank Boxing card in his hometown of Norfolk, Virginia.
Following the victory, Davis turned down an opportunity to face fellow Top Rank contender Lindolfo Delgado for the vacant IBF junior welterweight title, opting instead to pursue a move up to the welterweight division.
Davis' career has also included several setbacks outside the ring. In October 2023, a failed pre-fight marijuana test forced the cancellation of a scheduled Top Rank main event. He also came in more than four pounds overweight for his June 2025 title defense against Edwin de los Santos, resulting in him being stripped of his WBO lightweight championship before the fight.
The fighters and their management could also come to an agreement prior to the purse bids being unsealed down the road. And, if Haney doesn't want to fight Davis next, he could always vacate the WBO belt.
