Keyshawn Davis Declines Haney Title Shot

Keyshawn Davis has backed out of his mandatory WBO welterweight title challenge against Devin Haney.

Davis turned down his 25 percent share of an $8.55 million purse bid won by Top Rank, according to Bad Left Hook. The bout had been ordered by the sanctioning body and scheduled for Oct. 3. Davis's portion would have been worth roughly $2.14 million.

WBO Returns To Committee After Davis Withdrawal

The WBO will now convene to determine its next steps after the mandatory challenger walked away. Davis had publicly called for the Haney fight for months before declining when the bout was officially sanctioned.

Haney has struggled to secure opponents despite being painted as vulnerable by rival camps. The former lightweight champion and his team have floated names including Tank Davis, Shakur Stevenson, Rolly Romero, and a Ryan Garcia rematch, but none have materialised.

For Davis, the withdrawal marks a sharp reversal after weeks of demanding the opportunity to face Haney. Critics are likely to view the decision as a misstep given the world title stakes and the chance to beat a recognised name at welterweight.

The WBO is expected to announce its next mandatory order in the coming weeks.

Original reporting:

• badlefthook.com — Keyshawn Davis officially declines Devin Haney fight | Bad Left Hook