HBO Sports Senior VP/Programming KERY DAVIS, who "for more than a decade was the primary negotiator for the major fights the network aired and was crucial in the decision-making process about its boxing franchise, is leaving the network," according to Dan Rafael of ESPN.com. It is a "major shake-up" for HBO Sports. Davis, 54, has been with HBO since '97, with boxer FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. "among the first fighters that Davis signed to an exclusive contract with the network." Davis also "spearheaded" MANNY PACQUIAO's arrival at HBO. Davis denied "that he was forced out." His departure "comes 16 months after KEN HERSHMAN, who previously ran Showtime Sports, took over the role as president of HBO Sports, replacing longtime president ROSS GREENBURG, who was forced to resign." Davis is "very close to Golden Boy CEO RICHARD SCHAEFER, Mayweather and AL HAYMON, Mayweather's powerful adviser." Davis said that he "put his exit in motion about a month ago after being approached for another opportunity, which he declined to discuss, although he said it was not boxing-related." He added that he "likely will remain with HBO through the end of the month" (ESPN.com, 6/6).
