The sanctioning body has ordered negotiations for Haney’s mandatory WBO welterweight title defense, with a purse bid to follow if no deal is reached
The WBO has officially ordered Devin Haney and Keyshawn Davis to begin negotiations for a mandatory welterweight title fight. The two camps have 20 days to reach an agreement before the championship bout moves to a purse bid.
Re: WBO Welterweight Division
The WBO Championship Committee has officially ordered the commencement of negotiations for the WBO Welterweight Mandatory Championship Title Defense between World Champion Devin Haney and the WBO’s #1 world-rated contender & mandatory challenger…
— Gustavo Olivieri, Esq. (@OlivieriLaw) June 30, 2026
The Financial Split
Should the two sides fail to agree on terms within that window, the fight will head to a purse bid. The WBO has already outlined how the money would be divided: 75% for Haney as champion. 25% for challenger Keyshawn.
Haney captured the WBO welterweight title in November 2025 with a victory over Brian Norman Jr. While Team Haney has openly pursued other marquee fights, the sanctioning body has made it clear that the mandatory defense comes next unless Haney vacates the belt.
Davis earned the No. 1 ranking despite having only recently arrived at welterweight. After struggling to make weight at both lightweight and junior welterweight earlier in his career, the 2020 Olympic silver medalist made the permanent move to 147 pounds following his May victory over Nahir Albright. The WBO quickly elevated him to the top spot, putting him in line for his first world title opportunity.
Negotiations are now underway, with 20 days for both sides to reach an agreement before the mandatory title fight can proceed to a purse bid.