Gervonta’s Delayed Return Leaves Haney With Limited Options

Devin Haney’s (33-0, 15 KOs) pursuit of a fight has taken a significant hit after reports Gervonta Davis (31-0-1, 29 KOs) is not expected to return until the first quarter of 2027.

The news lands just days after Bill Haney posted his financial demands in an attempt to force negotiations. With Tank now effectively off the table for Haney’s next outing, the options narrow considerably. A fight with Shakur Stevenson remains on the table, though no agreement has been reached.

The WBO has also ordered Haney to make a mandatory defense against Keyshawn Davis, giving both sides a negotiation window before purse bids are triggered. Should Haney choose to sidestep the mandatory, vacating the WBO welterweight title would likely follow. From a commercial standpoint, neither option comes close to what a Davis fight would generate.