The veteran trainer says the WBO’s mandatory ruling puts pressure on Keyshawn Davis to accept the welterweight title fight under the champion’s terms.
Stephen Edwards believes the WBO’s July 27 purse bid gave Devin Haney control of negotiations for a welterweight title fight with Keyshawn Davis. He says the mandatory ruling now places the pressure on Davis to decide whether he wants the championship opportunity.
“I think it’s a brilliant move on Devin’s team,” Edwards said to MillCity Boxing. “The WBO is going to mandate the fight, and if you turn the fight down, then the world got to know you turned down a title shot.”
The WBO ordered a July 27 purse bid after directing Haney to make a mandatory defense against Davis. Haney, as champion, is entitled to 75 percent of the winning bid under the sanctioning body’s rules. Davis is entitled to the remaining 25 percent. Both sides can still negotiate different terms before the purse bid.
Edwards said the purse split leaves Haney holding the leverage.
“If Keyshawn wants to be the champion, he’s going to have to bend and be flexible to the champion’s demands,” Edwards said. “Devin is the A side. He’s a three-division champion. Keyshawn Davis won one belt. Never defended it. Now he’s moving up to 147. Devin is going to call the shots.”
Edwards remains uncertain that the fight becomes official. He said both boxers are seeking major paydays. He expects the financial negotiations to determine what happens next.
“I really don’t have a reaction until they do the purse bid,” Edwards said. “Both of those guys are going to command high paydays to fight.”
Edwards also believes Haney has waited long enough for his next appearance. The WBO champion has not fought since defeating Brian Norman Jr. last November. Edwards sees no shortage of lucrative options waiting for Haney across the welterweight division. He believes the priority is getting back into the ring.
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Boxing • Boxing News • Stephen Edwards Calls Devin Haney’s WBO Strategy ‘Brilliant’
Last Updated on 2026/07/22 at 2:54 AM
