Cris Esqueda / Matchroom BoxingKeyshawn Davis has been elevated to WBO No. 1 welterweight contender, and will likely be ordered as three-division champion Devin Haney’s mandatory challenger this summer, BoxingScene has learned.
Davis, the former WBO lightweight champion, only fought once at 140lbs, but struggled to make the junior welterweight limit, needing two attempts to make weight before his victory over Nahir Albright.
Davis previously lost his 135lb title on the scales, coming in 4.3 pounds over the lightweight limit for his contest against Edwin De Los Santos that was subsequently scrapped. Bypassing an IBF 140lbs title shot at Mexico’s Lindolfo Delgado, he will now move to a more comfortable weight of 147lbs, where the WBO have rewarded him for his recent run of form.
The WBO ranked Davis at No.1 following Jack Catterall’s decision to pursue a WBA “regular” title against Shakhram Giyasov last month. The WBO chose to give Davis the top spot over the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Teofimo Lopez, Brian Norman Jnr and Arnold Barboza Jnr, all who have come off losses or a draw over the past 13 months.
Davis’ wins over Jamaine Ortiz and Albright in 2026 launched the 2021 U.S. Olympic silver medalist to No.1.
BoxingScene has learned that the WBO welterweight champion Haney will soon be ordered to face his mandatory challenger. That mandatory is due in August, and could very likely be Davis following today’s recent ranking.
With no agreement currently struck between Haney and Zuffa Boxing, the new promotional outfit’s views on the traditional four belts should not stand in the way of the contest.
