Devin Haney has never backed down from a challenge, and he intends to keep that pattern alive in the welterweight ranks.
The former undisputed lightweight champion moved to 147 in November last year and snatched the WBO world title from Brian Norman Jr, scoring a knockdown on his way to a unanimous decision win.
Haney’s new division offers plenty of opportunity for intriguing fights. A rematch with Ryan Garcia, should he beat Mario Barrios for the WBC belt this month, is huge, and the other champions – Rolando Romero and Lewis Crocker – present would present a good clash of styles.
Conor Benn is also the name on everyone’s lips after his rematch win over Chris Eubank Jr last year, and a vow to move down to become world champion at welterweight makes him a viable option.
Haney, however, is also looking farther afield. When tuning into the Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson card at Madison Square Garden this past weekend, he heard his name called out by Keyshawn Davis following his co-main event win against Jamaine Ortiz. ‘The Dream’ was quick to accept the challenge on social media.
Keyshawn.. let’s do it! 😅
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) February 1, 2026
Davis impressed in his super-lightweight debut, stopping the tricky Ortiz with around 15 seconds left on the clock after being patiently in control of the proceedings. The spiteful puncher from Norfolk, Virginia has made it clear he is all about business, and if he can’t get big names at 140, 147 is where he will go.
