Tim Bradley links Keyshawn Davis to Zuffa in Haney snub

Tim Bradley believes Keyshawn Davis declined a fight against Devin Haney to protect his negotiating power and potentially move to Zuffa Boxing. Bradley suggests Davis is looking to join other fighters like Shakur Stevenson, Conor Benn, Richardson Hitchins, and Edgar Berlanga who are linked to the promotion.

Bradley argued that taking a high-risk fight against Haney for a low payout could damage a fighter's bargaining position. He described the decision to pass on the matchup as a massive duck. The analyst suspects Davis may be approaching the end of his current contract with Top Rank, though the exact duration of that deal remains unknown.

Financial figures provide a direct explanation for the decision. Top Rank won the WBO purse bid for the Haney fight at $8.55 million. Under a 75-25 split, Davis would have received approximately $2.14 million. This figure falls significantly short of the $5 million Davis was rumored to be seeking for the contest.

Bradley noted that Davis might be prioritizing a larger payday elsewhere over a dangerous fight for less money. He cited Richardson Hitchins pulling out of a fight against Oscar Duarte on the day of the event as another instance of a fighter avoiding a risky matchup when Zuffa offers better financial opportunities.

While the theory connects Davis to a potential move, several details remain unconfirmed. There is no public evidence regarding the specifics of Davis's contract or any official intention to sign with Zuffa. The gap between the $2.14 million available and the rumored $5 million request offers a simpler explanation for the refusal than a strategic move to a new promotion.