For years, boxing enthusiasts have eagerly anticipated a showdown between American stars Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney. Despite both fighters competing in the lightweight division, where Haney achieved unification, the highly anticipated match has yet to materialize. The Saudi Arabian boxing authorities came close to organizing the event with a lucrative offer, but Davis declined, citing concerns over fairness. Now, as Canelo Alvarez signs with Riyadh Season, Davis remains the lone major boxing figure not aligned with Saudi promotions. Alalshikh, the Saudi boxing chief, has kept the door open for Davis but refuses to cater to his demands. Meanwhile, Haney is set for a rematch with Ryan Garcia, pending successful outcomes in their upcoming matches. Davis returns to the ring on March 1 against Lamont Roach in Brooklyn, with potential future matchups including Shakur Stevenson.
The Intricate Dance of Negotiations and Rivalries
In the vibrant world of professional boxing, few rivalries have captivated fans like the potential matchup between Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney. This long-awaited confrontation has been a topic of discussion for several years, especially during their time in the lightweight division. Last year, Turki Alalshikh, the influential head of Saudi boxing, made an ambitious attempt to bring this clash to life with a generous offer to host the event in the Middle East. However, Davis expressed reservations about receiving a fair deal, leading him to reject the proposal. He voiced concerns that the organizers favored Haney, stating that he would require additional incentives to participate.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape has shifted. With Canelo Alvarez signing a significant deal with Riyadh Season, almost all major boxing figures are now associated with Saudi promotions—except for Davis. Alalshikh remains open to working with Davis but is unwilling to meet his specific demands. During an interview earlier this year, Alalshikh humorously responded to Davis's request for luxury vehicles by offering him only boxing gloves instead. Meanwhile, Haney is preparing for a high-profile rematch with Ryan Garcia, while Davis gears up for his own bout against Lamont Roach in Brooklyn on March 1.
Looking ahead, if both fighters emerge victorious from their upcoming matches, the stage could be set for another thrilling encounter later this year. Alalshikh has also hinted at a possible matchup between Davis and Shakur Stevenson, adding another layer of intrigue to the ever-evolving boxing landscape.
From a journalistic perspective, this ongoing saga underscores the complex dynamics within professional sports. It highlights the delicate balance between athlete interests, promoter strategies, and fan expectations. The reluctance of Davis to engage with Saudi promoters raises questions about the integrity of international sporting events and the importance of ensuring fair play. Ultimately, the boxing world eagerly awaits the resolution of this intriguing standoff, hoping that one day, the much-anticipated clash between Davis and Haney will finally come to fruition.