Keyshawn Davis Elevated to No. 1 WBO Welterweight Contender, Devin Haney Fight Looms

A blockbuster showdown between two of boxing’s brightest stars may be on the horizon. Keyshawn Davis has reportedly been elevated to the No. 1 position in the WBO welterweight rankings, putting the former lightweight champion in line to become the mandatory challenger for WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney.

According to reports, the WBO is expected to order Haney’s mandatory title defense later this summer, with Davis now positioned as the leading candidate to challenge for the championship.

If the fight is ordered and finalized, it would pit two former U.S. Olympians and rising stars against one another in one of the most anticipated matchups in the sport.

Davis Makes Permanent Move to Welterweight

The ranking marks a significant career shift for Keyshawn Davis. After capturing a world title at lightweight, Davis struggled to continue making the 135-pound limit. His difficulties became public when he weighed in 4.3 pounds overweight ahead of a scheduled title defense against Edwin De Los Santos, resulting in the fight being canceled and Davis losing his championship on the scales.

The Norfolk native later competed at junior welterweight but appeared uncomfortable with the weight cut there as well. Despite defeating Nahir Albright at 140 pounds earlier this year, Davis needed two attempts on the scale before successfully making weight.

Those struggles ultimately led to a decision many within the sport expected: a permanent move to the welterweight division.

WBO Rewards Recent Success

Keyshawn Davis’ rise to the top of the WBO rankings comes after an impressive run in 2026. Victories over Jamaine Ortiz and Nahir Albright helped propel the 2021 Olympic silver medalist into championship contention at a new weight class.

The WBO’s decision to elevate Davis became possible after Jack Catterall chose to pursue a WBA title opportunity against Shakhram Giyasov rather than remain focused on the WBO route. As a result, Davis leapfrogged several notable contenders to claim the No. 1 spot.

The WBO’s ranking decision is notable considering the names Davis moved ahead of. Former champions and top contenders including Manny Pacquiao, Teofimo Lopez, Brian Norman Jr., and Arnold Barboza Jr. were all bypassed in favor of Davis.

The organization reportedly considered recent results heavily in its decision-making process. With several of those fighters coming off losses or a draw within the last year.

Meanwhile, Davis has continued building momentum and remains one of boxing’s most marketable young stars.