Keyshawn Davis’ refusal to proceed with an ordered WBO welterweight title fight against Devin Haney over payout distribution continues to draw criticism, with Teofimo Lopez questioning why a contender would walk away from more than $2 million and a championship shot.
Keyshawn pulled out after Top Rank submitted the winning $8.55 million bid. Under the WBO’s 75-25 split favoring the champion, Haney was set to receive $6.4125 million, while Keyshawn’s share totaled $2.1375 million.
The subject came up Saturday while Teofimo attended William Zepeda’s victory over Lamont Roach Jr. for the vacant WBC lightweight title in Las Vegas. Teofimo said he does not know every reason behind Keyshawn’s decision, but believes contenders must earn the right to command larger purses.
“I’m not Keyshawn Davis. I’m not his legal team. Whatever rightful reason they had. Maybe it was because he wanted more money,” Teofimo said to the media. “But I think that you have to prove that you earned that money, that type of money.”
Teofimo expanded on his thoughts later, suggesting Keyshawn may already have another fight lined up. He also said withdrawing after a purse bid has been completed reflects poorly on a challenger pursuing a world title.
“That was weird. That was insane to me. This doesn’t look good on him,” Teofimo said to Fighthype about Keyshawn. “Maybe they have another deal somewhere else. Maybe that’s why. I think he was asking for too much money. You have to prove it, though.
“There are so many ways that we can look at it, right? Once it gets to a purse bid, if you pull out, that is a duck move. You’re basically letting whoever wants to bid on it to take the fight, so you’re basically saying ‘yes,’ and then that happens.”
Keyshawn has not announced another opponent since walking away from the Haney fight. Unless another major opportunity emerges, turning down a career-high payday and an immediate shot at the WBO welterweight title will continue to be questioned throughout boxing.