Haney Accepts Davis Challenge for Welterweight Title

Devin Haney, the reigning WBO welterweight champion, has publicly accepted a challenge from top-ranked contender Keyshawn Davis, signaling a potential all-American title fight later this year. The development follows the WBO’s recent elevation of Davis to the number one position in its welterweight rankings.

Haney, who captured the WBO title with a unanimous decision victory over Brian Norman Jr. in November, has not yet defended his belt. On social media this week, he responded directly to a callout from Davis, writing, “Let’s do it KEYSHAWN.” This public acceptance revives talks that had previously stalled amid speculation of other potential bouts for Haney, including a lucrative rematch with Ryan Garcia or a unification fight with WBA titleholder Rolando Romero.

Davis, an unbeaten former WBO lightweight champion and 2021 Olympic silver medalist, recently moved up to the welterweight division after struggling to make weight at 135 pounds. He has won two fights since moving up, defeating Jamaine Ortiz and, most recently, Nahir Albright. His new ranking provides a direct path to a title shot, positioning him as Haney’s likely mandatory challenger.