Former WBO lightweight champion Keyshawn Davis petitioned the sanctioning body to rank him #1 at 140.
If approved, Davis could face Alfredo Santiago for the interim belt while Teofimo Lopez negotiates with Shakur Stevenson.
Boxingscene’s Lance Pugmire reported Davis’ request to the WBO.
Weight Issues Strip Davis of Title
The WBO stripped Davis of his lightweight crown on June 6, 2025.
He weighed 139.3 lbs, 4.3 over the lightweight limit, before his scheduled defense against Edwin De Los Santos.
Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz canceled the fight, citing safety concerns for De Los Santos.
Davis lost his title without defending it, raising doubts about his discipline and future at lightweight.
Break From Boxing Raises Questions
On August 7, Davis told Ariel Helwani he planned to step away from boxing for an unknown period.
He admitted his break could last six months, a year, or even two years.
If inactive, his request for the #1 ranking at 140 could undermine the WBO’s credibility.
Fans might see his petition as a reward for failure instead of accountability.
Promotion and Broadcast Complications
Top Rank, Davis’ promoter, lost its ESPN broadcast deal after July 26, 2025.
Without a major platform, Davis lacks visibility to justify a top ranking.
The timing complicates any WBO decision, as Teofimo’s next challenger needs consistency and availability.
Granting Davis the position now risks alienating boxing supporters and damaging the sanctioning body’s reputation.
