Devin Haney looked set to take on Keyshawn Davis in a first defence of his WBO welterweight title, but in a drastic turn of events the fight has collapsed. Now, Haney has ruled out another potential opponent.
Haney became a three-division world champion when he outpointed Brian Norman Jr to capture the 147lb crown back in November, but whilst the Californian is yet to fight since, he was recently ordered to defend the belt against mandatory challenger, Keyshawn Davis.
A few days ago, after the end of the 30-day negotiation period, the rights to that bout were won by Top Rank in a live-streamed purse bid. Yet, soon after, Davis opted to withdraw from the contest, seemingly unhappy with the $2.13 million purse that he would receive for his title challenge.
As a result, Davis has dropped from #1 to #7 in the WBO welterweight rankings, with former champion, Norman, being moved into position as the number one contender, creating rumours that a rematch between he and ‘The Dream’ could take place.
However, on X, Haney shot down suggestions that he and Norman could run it back, with potential unification opportunities now seeming the more likely.
“It’s not happening. I tell you that right now.”
Instead, Haney could return to fight in Australia for a third time by accepting a unification against newly-crowned IBF welterweight world champion Liam Paro, with the other two world champions at 147lbs currently scheduled for alternate title defences.
Alternatively, WBA Regular champion Jack Catterall has thrown his name into the ring for a possible shot at the WBO champion, despite being well poised for a full WBA title challenge later this year.
