Bob Arum has revealed his concern about who could be the first man to beat unbeaten star Keyshawn Davis.
Davis previously reigned as WBO lightweight champion, but after losing his belt on the scales, he has since headed up to 140lbs and earned wins over Jamaine Ortiz and Nahir Albright over the past six months.
He is now the mandatory challenger for Devin Haney’s WBO welterweight title, with the pair having been given until July 20 to reach an agreement.
If negotiations collapse then their matchup will go to a purse bid hearing, though Top Rank boss Arum is hopeful that his promotional outfit can spearhead a deal.
Haney claimed his WBO title by dethroning Brian Norman Jr, who he floored in round two before scoring a unanimous decision victory last November.
Several months later, ‘The Dream’ was linked to a unification match with Rolando Romero, who now appears set to defend his WBA title against Teofimo Lopez.
Since then, Haney has more recently engaged in talks with Gervonta Davis, who his father, Bill Haney, has named at the top target.
That said, a mandatory title defence against Keyshawn Davis could represent the more realistic option, especially if Top Rank are able to offer the type of money that both fighters feel they deserve.
While speaking with FightHype, veteran promoter Arum expressed his desire to make what he believes is a “fan-friendly fight”, despite conceding that Davis, who he promotes, is likely to face a significant challenge.
“I think that’s a spectacular fight, a real fan-friendly fight. I hope we can make that fight. I know our people have talked to Haney, and will be talking to Keyshawn.
“You have to give the edge to Haney, because of his experience, but I wouldn’t count Keyshawn out [against] anyone.”
With the negotiation deadline quickly approaching, a decision is expected soon on whether or not the bout will indeed take place.
