WBO welterweight mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis has sensationally turned down the opportunity to face reigning champion Devin Haney after Top Rank won the purse bid for the bout and the fighters’ respective purses were revealed.
Haney was set to earn $6.4 million, while Davis would have received $2.1 million. According to sources close to the former Olympic silver medalist’s team, Davis considered the amount “ridiculously low” and decided he would rather explore other options than move forward with the fight.
Following the news, Davis was heavily criticized on social media, with many fans accusing him of cowardice. Several boxing insiders also pointed out that the purse he rejected was actually consistent with his current market value.
This is not the first time the Norfolk native has found himself at the center of controversy. In October 2023, his unanimous decision victory over Nahir Albright was overturned to a no contest after Davis tested positive for cannabis. In June 2025, his WBO lightweight title defense against Edwin De Los Santos was cancelled at the last minute after he came in more than four pounds overweight. Later that same day, Keyshawn was also involved in a disgraceful locker-room altercation at Norfolk’s Scope Arena, where he assaulted his former opponent Albright, whose “crime” had been defeating Keyshawn’s brother, Kelvin Davis, by decision earlier that evening.
After officially moving up to the welterweight division following two victories at super lightweight, the American was immediately installed as the WBO’s No. 1 contender, earning mandatory challenger status and prompting the organization to order champion Devin Haney to grant him a title shot. That order has now been rendered meaningless by Davis’ decision to withdraw from the fight.
Haney could now explore the possibility of facing Shakur Stevenson, a matchup that has generated considerable interest but also presents logistical challenges. The two fighters currently compete in different weight classes, meaning they would likely have to agree on a catchweight somewhere between the super lightweight and welterweight limits in order to make the fight happen.