Dan Rafael Blasts Keyshawn Davis After Haney Purse Bid

The veteran boxing journalist says Davis’ team misread the negotiations, while Tim Bradley argues the guaranteed payday still reflects the challenger’s market value.

Dan Rafael believes Keyshawn Davis and his team made a costly mistake by allowing the WBO purse bid with Devin Haney to proceed. The veteran journalist argues the final $2.1375 million guarantee suggests accepting an earlier deal would have been the stronger move.

“I find it absolutely hilarious that the Haney-Davis purse bid actually took place,” Rafael said on X. “Davis and team didn’t read the room. Hubris.”

The remark follows reports that Davis rejected a previous $3 million offer before negotiations broke down. Former two-division world champion Tim Bradley recently questioned whether that initial proposal was ever on the table.

Regardless, the purse bid guarantees Davis $2,137,500 under the WBO’s 75-25 split for champions and challengers. Haney will receive $6,412,500 after Top Rank submitted the winning bid over Takeover Promotions’ $2.35 million offer.

If the reported $3 million proposal was genuine, forcing a purse bid left Keyshawn with a significantly smaller guaranteed payday.

Bradley evaluated the situation from a different angle. He argued Davis has never earned more than $2 million for a fight and described the payout as fair compensation given his market value.

“I think it’s fair,” Bradley said on his YouTube channel. “Keyshawn ain’t never made over $2 million in his damn life. He ain’t never made over that type of money. He’s made a mil for sure, but not over $2 million. This is perfect for him.”

While Rafael focused on negotiating strategy, Bradley analyzed the financial value. Neither believes Keyshawn has a reason to walk away from the fight.

The purse bid is settled. Keyshawn now has an opportunity to prove his team made the right call by beating Haney on October 3.