Devin Haney Must Defend Against Keyshawn Davis Or Vacate Title
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Devin Haney might have his sights set on a long-discussed showdown with Shakur Stevenson, however the WBO has made it clear that one other opponent stands first in line.
Haney and Stevenson lately exchanged messages on-line by which each males appeared open to going through each other at a 144-pound catchweight. With neither fighter presently scheduled to return, hypothesis surrounding the matchup rapidly intensified.
However, the sanctioning physique has reiterated its place relating to Haney’s obligations as WBO welterweight champion.
“Devin must discharge of his mandatory next,” the WBO informed Ring.
The assertion comes after Keyshawn Davis was elevated to the #1 spot within the WBO’s newest welterweight rankings following his determination to marketing campaign full-time at 147 kilos. The Ring reported that Haney’s necessary title protection is due in August, leaving little room for various plans if he intends to maintain maintain of the belt.
Keyshawn had already indicated that he was completed competing at mild welterweight after victories over Jamaine Ortiz and Nahir Albright earlier this 12 months. He later strengthened that dedication by declining a possibility to combat Lindolfo Delgado for the vacant IBF 140-pound title.
Haney has publicly acknowledged Davis as a doable opponent however has additionally maintained {that a} combat with Stevenson would characterize the larger occasion. Stevenson, in the meantime, has insisted that any conflict between the pair would want to happen at a 144-pound catchweight.
Should Haney proceed with a Stevenson combat subsequent, the WBO seems ready to strip him of its welterweight title. If he needs to stay champion, the group’s message stays unchanged: Keyshawn Davis comes first.
Robert Segal is a boxing journalist at Boxing News 24 with greater than a decade of expertise masking combat information, previews, and evaluation. Known for his simple reporting and ringside perspective, he delivers authoritative protection of champions, contenders, and rising expertise worldwide.
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Categories Devin Haney, Keyshawn Davis, Shakur Stevenson
Boxing News 24 » Devin Haney » WBO Reaffirms: Devin Haney Must Defend Against Keyshawn Davis Or Vacate TitleLast Updated on 2026/06/12 at 2:14 AM
