Bill Haney responded after WBO president Gustavo Olivieri revealed that Devin Haney’s mandatory welterweight title defense against Keyshawn Davis is expected to be ordered by late June or early July, making it clear that the Haney camp will still explore a fight with Shakur Stevenson first.
The comments come after the WBO moved to order Devin Haney to defend his welterweight title against mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis. The sanctioning body has indicated that Haney must fulfill that obligation in the coming months or risk vacating the belt.
I respect the WBO. I respect the rules.
I also believe that boxing belongs to the people.
The people have made it clear that they want to see Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson share the ring, and we will do our part to see if that fight can be made.
If not, Keyshawn Davis next.
— Bill Haney (@BillHaney77) June 19, 2026
The statement is notable because it puts Shakur ahead of Keyshawn in the Haney camp’s current plans. Talk of a Haney-Shakur fight has intensified in recent weeks, with both fighters publicly exchanging messages about a potential catchweight deal.
At the same time, Keyshawn’s position as the WBO’s mandatory challenger complicates matters. The undefeated Norfolk native has repeatedly called for his title shot, while WBO officials have signaled that Haney’s championship commitments cannot be ignored indefinitely.
Bill Haney’s message seems to leave both ways open. The preferred route remains a high-profile clash with Shakur, but if that battle can’t be settled, the Haney camp indicates a mandatory defense against Keyshawn is the next option on the table.
From a business standpoint, Haney vs. Shakur would likely generate more interest among hardcore boxing fans, while a fight with Keyshawn would meet the WBO’s requirements and settle one of the sport’s most active ongoing rivalries.
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Last updated on 2026/06/19 at 15:52
