RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThere was a surprise bidder at Thursday's auction for the mandated fight between WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney and No. 1 contender Keyshawn Davis.
Davis' promoter, Top Rank, was expected to turn up — and it did — but the presence of Teofimo Lopez's Takeover Promotions was an unexpected one.
Lopez has a longstanding rivalry with Haney. The pair was on the verge of fighting last year, but talks collapsed at the 11th hour after Lopez withdrew due to personal reasons. Lopez is scheduled to fight Rolando "Rolly" Romero on Aug. 22 — and the pair has found common ground in dumping on Haney in the fight's promotion.
Thus, Lopez's company was a surprising participant at Thursday's bid. But not a successful one.
Top Rank ultimately won the auction with an $8,550,000 bid, $6,200,000 greater than Lopez's company, which offered $2,350,000 for the rights to the bout.
Haney, as defending champion, is entitled to 75% of the pot, or $6,412,500, while Davis gets 25% or $2,137,500.
As is the case with all purse bids, the purses in the auction are not necessarily final. Fighters can agree to deals with the bout's promoter or network before or after the bid for different amounts.
Earlier this month, Uncrowned broke the news that Haney has signed a multi-fight deal with broadcaster DAZN. As part of that agreement, his purses are guaranteed. Haney is expected to make more than $6,412,500 for the contest.
Top Rank's proposed date for the bout is Oct. 3, with potential venues of Barclays Center in New York, State Farm Arena in Atlanta and Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas. The fight is likely to headline a DAZN pay-per-view event.
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