Haney must defend WBO title vs. Keyshawn Davis or be stripped

Devin Haney faces a stark choice from the WBO: defend his welterweight title against mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis by August 2026 or lose the belt if he pursues a catchweight bout with Shakur Stevenson instead.

The sanctioning body confirmed its position to The Ring after Haney agreed online earlier this week to face Stevenson at 144 pounds. "Devin must discharge of his mandatory next," the WBO said, according to the report. Davis was recently elevated to the No. 1 contender spot after declaring his move up from junior welterweight.

Davis vacates 140-pound opportunities for Haney shot

The Norfolk lightweight has committed to the welterweight division after stopping Jamaine Ortiz in the twelfth round and outpointing Nahir Albright earlier this year. He turned down an IBF title fight at 140 pounds against Lindolfo Delgado to pursue the Haney mandatory, The Ring learned.

Haney reportedly welcomed a Davis showdown but has argued publicly that a Stevenson fight would be the bigger draw. The two unbeaten champions have circled each other for months, with weight always the sticking point. Stevenson holds the Ring and WBO junior welterweight titles but has only agreed to meet Haney at the 144-pound catchweight, four pounds below the welterweight limit.

The WBO is prepared to strip Haney if he chooses the Stevenson route. Neither fighter is currently booked. Haney's record stands at 33-0 with 15 knockouts and one no-contest.

Source: ringmagazine.com