The WBA officially named Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis as its lightweight champion in recess and ordered undefeated contenders Floyd Schofield and Lucas Bahdi to fight for the vacant world title.
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The decision ends months of uncertainty over Davis’ status after the undefeated Baltimore star remained inactive and failed to defend his WBA championship. Rather than continue to hold the division, the sanctioning body moved to crown a new full champion.
Schofield, the WBA’s No. 1 ranked lightweight contender, has been ordered to face Bahdi No. 2 for the vacant belt.
The bout gives both fighters the biggest opportunity of their careers. Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs) steadily climbed the rankings with wins over Tevin Farmer and Rene Tellez Giron, while Canada’s Bahdi (20-0, 18 KOs) broke after his upset knockout victory over Ashton Sylve in the world title fight before adding another win to remain undefeated.
Davis was previously ordered to defend his title against Schofield, but the fight never materialized. With no championship defense forthcoming, the WBA elected to place Davis in “champion in recess” status, allowing the lightweight division to move forward while leaving open the possibility of his return.
Under WBA rules, a champion in recess designation is typically reserved for titleholders who cannot defend their belts for an extended period of time. Should Davis resume his career, he could be positioned to challenge the eventual WBA champion, subject to the sanctioning body’s regulations.
The winner of Schofield vs. Bahdi will become the WBA lightweight world champion, adding another important chapter to one of boxing’s deepest and most competitive divisions.
Gervonta Davis named champion in recess; Schofield and Bahdi battle for vacant titlehttps://t.co/MTax0m63fW
— WBA Boxing (@WBABoxing) June 26, 2026
Last updated on 06/26/2026 at 13:21
