Devin Haney has been singled out by Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn as the fighter most likely to edge Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis if the bout materialises later this year. Hearn’s comments, delivered to Fight Hub TV, put Haney’s professionalism and discipline front‑and‑center while acknowledging Davis’s generational talent.
What did Eddie Hearn say?
Hearn told the media that he would “favor Devin Haney” because of the champion’s consistent work ethic. He added that if Davis returns at his absolute best, the fight could tilt either way. The promoter highlighted Davis’s recent turmoil – a controversial draw with Lamont Roach in March 2025 and a withdrawn exhibition with Jake Paul – as factors that make the matchup unpredictable.
Why is the fight suddenly possible?
The speculation follows a bizarre turn of events on social media, where Haney revealed that Davis’s camp had reached out. Earlier, ‘Tank’ pulled out of negotiations with Floyd Schofield, abandoning a chance to reclaim his WBA lightweight title. With that door closed, a move back up to 135 lb – Davis’s last fighting weight – appears plausible, opening the door to a clash with the WBO welterweight champion.
How would the bout affect Haney’s career?
To face Davis, Haney would likely need to vacate his WBO belt and drop his mandatory fight against Keyshawn Davis. Giving up a world title is a huge gamble, but a win over a fighter of Davis’s stature could cement Haney’s legacy as the premier American boxer of his generation. Hearn noted that Haney’s “professionalism and discipline” give him an edge, suggesting the champion is ready to take that risk.
What’s the timeline?
No official date has been set, but the conversation is heating up for “later this year.” Davis’s last fight, the March 2025 draw with Roach, was at 135 lb, and his planned November exhibition with Jake Paul fell through after domestic‑violence allegations. Haney’s most recent bout, a unanimous‑decision win over Brian Norman Jr., also came in November, giving him fresh momentum heading into a potential showdown.
What does this mean for the welterweight division?
If the fight goes ahead, it could force a reshuffle of title pictures across both the lightweight and welterweight classes. Haney’s possible vacating of the WBO belt would leave the division open for other contenders, while Davis’s return to 135 lb would revive interest in his comeback narrative. Hearn’s candid assessment underscores the high stakes for both fighters and the fans eager for a prime‑vs‑prime clash.
What are the next steps?
Negotiations are still in early stages. Haney’s camp must decide whether to relinquish the belt, while Davis’s team needs to sort out his legal and promotional issues before committing to a fight. Hearn’s endorsement adds weight, but the final decision will hinge on contract terms, sanctioning body approvals, and the fighters’ readiness to step into the ring.
The boxing world now watches closely, waiting for a formal announcement that could set the stage for one of the most talked‑about matchups of the year.