Gervonta Davis’ return to ring ruled out for rest of year in bad news for Devin Haney

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Gervonta Davis’ comeback has been ruled out for the rest of the year.It comes as bad news for Devin Haney, who had been pursuing an autumn showdown with ‘Tank’.Gervonta Davis has been out of action since his controversial draw with Lamont Roach in August 2025GETTYHaney revealed last week that Davis’ team had reached out to make the fight.However, Haney’s father and manager, Bill, was informed by Al Haymon of PBC that Davis won’t be able to compete until the first quarter of 2027.The development, which was relayed to Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger on Tuesday, leaves a WBO mandatory defence against Keyshawn Davis as the most likely next move for Haney.‘The Dream’ was ordered to defend his WBO welterweight title against Keyshawn earlier this month.But he has been chasing bigger paydays against ‘Tank’ and Shakur Stevenson as of late.The current state of Devin Haney vs Shakur StevensonHaney’s father claims negotiations with Stevenson have stalled after his son agreed to meet the WBC super lightweight champion at a 144lbs catchweight.“We have Shakur Stevenson standing in the way of Devin’s quest to be on the Mount Rushmore of boxing,” Bill told Ring Magazine.“Because with three divisions and the youngest undisputed champion, I don’t know if we’re going to get all the respect we need unless we run through all of them. “Shakur hasn’t responded to the 144lb agreement that Devin Haney said that he will have with him.”Stevenson hit back on social media, writing: “This [is] the same thing y’all pulled with Rolly [Romero].Devin Haney had hoped to fight Davis this year, but has been informed that ‘Tank’ won’t be returning to the ring until early 2027GettyIt now seems likely that Haney will instead defend his WBO welterweight belt against Keyshawn DavisGetty Images - Getty“All these fake public negotiations … Real negotiations happen offline. “I’m the truth [you] will see when [you] get in front of me!!”Gervonta Davis’ legal issues leave future uncertainWhile Haney’s next steps are now a little clearer, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Davis.He hasn’t set foot in the ring since his controversial draw with Lamont Roach in March 2025 and has repeatedly seen his next fight pushed back over the last 16 months amid mounting legal issues. Davis had been set to box Jake Paul in a high-profile exhibition bout in November, but the fight was cancelled after a civil lawsuit was filed against ‘Tank’ alleging domestic abuse. The Baltimore boxer is accused of battery and kidnapping stemming from an altercation at a Miami Gentleman’s club in October last year.A Maryland judge issued a warrant for his arrest in April after the incident was deemed to have potentially violated Davis’ probation order for a hit and run in November 2020. The WBA has since downgraded Davis to its ‘champion in recess’, with the sanctioning body’s No.1 contender Floyd Schofield set to face No.2-ranked Lucas Bahdi for the vacant black and gold strap. Watch Boxing on DAZN*If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenueSign up to DAZN to access the definitive subscription for boxing fans.Upgrade to DAZN Ultimate from just £24.99/month, guaranteeing access to 185+ fights annually, a minimum of 12 pay-per-views at no extra cost, as well as every Lega Serie A match and other elite football access.Alternatively, DAZN Standard is just £15.99/month, with the caveat you will have to pay for pay-per-view events.Click here to sign up.