The WBO has made Keyshawn Davis the number one welterweight. This brings a world championship fight with champion Devin Haney closer.
Keyshawn Davis is about to take the next big step in his career. The former WBO lightweight world champion has been named the new number one welterweight by the association and could therefore be ordered as the mandatory challenger to WBO champion Devin Haney in the summer.
For the 27-year-old, the jump to the higher weight class is also understandable from a sporting perspective. The 2021 Olympic silver medal winner has recently had increasing problems with his weight. First he lost his lightweight title on the scales, then he also had to step on the scales twice in his junior welterweight bout against Nahir Albright before the fight could take place.
Now Davis is set to start a new chapter at 147 pounds. His victories over Jamaine Ortiz and Albright put him in a strong starting position. The WBO now opted for Davis as number one after Jack Catterall took a different path and boxed for the WBA “Regular” title against Shakhram Giyasov.
In the race for the top position, Davis prevailed against names such as Manny Pacquiao, Teofimo Lopez, Brian Norman Jr. and Arnold Barboza Jr. Should Haney and Davis actually meet, it would be a highly interesting duel between two technically strong US boxers.
Text by Robin Josten