Earlier this week, the three-division champion verbally agreed online to face Stevenson at a 144-pound catchweight next. The WBO however, is reiterating its position with the champion's next move.

In the latest rankings update, the sanctioning body upgraded Keyshawn Davis to the No. 1 contender spot for Haney's welterweight strap after he declared a desire to move up in weight once more. Days later, The Ring learned Haney's mandatory defense is due in August.

In a second conversation after Haney-Stevenson picked up speed, the WBO stood behind its original decision.

“Devin must discharge of his mandatory next.”

This development will be music to Davis' ears after the 27-year-old said he was done with the junior welterweight division following wins over Jamaine Ortiz (TKO12) and a Nahir Albright rematch (UD12) earlier this year.

Proving he had stuck with the decision he'd outlined in the ring May 16, he declined an IBF 140-pound title fight against Lindolfo Delgado for the championship vacated by Richardson Hitchins earlier this year.

Haney (33-0, 15 KOs, 1 NC) appeared to have no qualms fighting Davis next and instead welcomed the challenge.

Haney has stressed facing Stevenson would dwarf any proposed Davis fight, as big as it could prove to be.

Weight has always been the stumbling block preventing Stevenson-Haney from being agreed, though Ring and WBO junior welterweight champion Stevenson has flirted with moving back down too as he surveys his options.

So far, the slick and hard-to-hit 28-year-old is only willing to fight Haney at a 144-pound catchweight and Haney making their back-and-forth public adds pressure to make something concrete with neither booked for a fight.

Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) and Haney may very well decide to fight next. But should that happen, the WBO is prepared to take action.