Davis has spent weeks targeting Haney as his preferred opponent, and his latest comments further propelled that campaign by portraying Haney’s future decisions as a reaction to his own presence.
“You don’t keep your word, and I’m running you out of your own weight class,” Davis said during an appearance on Come and talk 2 Ms. “What are we talking about here?”
The comment reflects a deliberate attempt to apply pressure rather than a single outcry. Davis has repeatedly attached himself to Haney’s position at welterweight, trying to make himself part of the division’s immediate title conversation even though he has yet to fight at 147 pounds.
Pressure campaign continues
Davis’ pursuit of Haney comes during a transitional period in his own career. After missing weight in 2025, he moved up from lightweight and has since repositioned himself across higher weight classes. With fourteen professional fights and a stoppage win over Jamaine Ortiz in his most recent appearance, Davis has built visibility but has yet to establish himself within the welterweight contender structure.
Haney, meanwhile, holds championship position and maintains flexibility in choosing his next opponent. Fighters in that position are not required to face challengers who have not obtained mandatory status or divisional footing.
Davis’ status as Ring ambassador complicates the situation. His association with Turki Alalshikh gives him a level of support that most young fighters don’t have, making it harder to dismiss his pursuit of Haney.
For now, Davis is trying to use public pressure to accelerate his entry into the welterweight elite. Whether that approach delivers the fight he wants will depend on Haney’s plans and the willingness of boxing’s power brokers to match them in the ring.
The comments Keyshawn made today on Come and Talk 2 Me are a direct shot at the traditional boxing structure about not wanting to pay sanctioning fees for titles. Calling himself a “superstar” who doesn’t need belts is a classic power move, but it’s risky. He essentially says that he wants the glory and the big-name opponents like Haney, but he has no interest in playing by the rules of the sanctioning bodies.
Skipping an entire division (147) to claim a title shot is rare. Usually you have to beat at least one contender in that class to get the WBO to look your way. Refusing to pay fees is a move we’ve seen from established legends, but for a young fighter with 14 fights, it’s a massive middle finger to the organizations. If he actually wins and refuses to pay, the WBO will likely strip him immediately and vacate the belt again.
Keyshawn bets that his association with Turki Alalshikh and his growing profile make him “uncancellable.” He builds on the idea that Haney needs him for a “mega-fight” more than Keyshawn needs the physical bond.
It feels like he’s trying to usher in an era where the “event” matters more than the hardware. However, for a guy who just lost his lightweight title on the scales last year, talking about not needing belts as a way to avoid the discipline that comes with being a champion can come across to fans.
It’s certainly a polarizing approach. Do you think this “superstar” talk is going to make Haney more or less inclined to take the fight? I don’t see it working.
