Bill Haney: Stevenson top target, Keyshawn Davis next for Devin

Bill Haney told Keyshawn Davis that his son will fight him if negotiations with Shakur Stevenson break down, making the WBO's new No. 1 welterweight contender the backup plan for Devin Haney's next bout.

Stevenson, who holds The Ring and WBO titles at junior welterweight, has been the Haneys' primary target for a catchweight fight at 144 pounds, per The Ring. But Davis has pushed himself into position after the sanctioning body ranked him ahead of Devin Haney's welterweight title. Davis recently turned down an IBF 140-pound title shot against Lindolfo Delgado and said he would meet Haney at the full 147-pound limit.

Davis willing to fight at welterweight, Stevenson hesitant

The elder Haney laid out the pecking order during an appearance on the Cigar Talk Podcast. "If your brother don't take the fight, you're next," he told Davis, according to The Ring. "We'll see you when we see you."

Stevenson has shown reluctance to move up from 140 pounds, while Davis fought there last but wants to stop cutting weight. Davis holds a 15-0 record with 10 knockouts and one no-contest. Devin Haney stands at 33-0 with 15 stoppages.

Bill Haney acknowledged the WBO's mandates but said fan demand drives the bigger picture. "I respect the WBO. I respect the rules," he said. "I also believe that boxing belongs to the people. The people have made it clear they want to see Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson share the ring, and we'll do our part to see if that fight can be made. If not, Keyshawn Davis next."

No timeline has been announced for either fight, though the WBO typically enforces mandatory defenses within 120 days of a ranking becoming official.

Source: ringmagazine.com