The WBA is set to order a new world title fight at 135lbs after stripping Gervonta Davis of his black and gold lightweight belt in January. Davis was designated “champion in recess” following a domestic violence charge at the beginning of 2026.
Davis’ legal issues led to a prolonged period of inactivity, prompting the WBA to move forward without him as its active titleholder. The 31-year-old last fought in March 2025, retaining his belt via a controversial draw against Lamont Roach before signing on for an exhibition bout with Jake Paul.
However, Davis was ultimately removed from that event due to the domestic violence allegations and replaced by Anthony Joshua, who stopped Paul in six rounds in December.
With the title now vacant, boxing journalist Dan Rafael reported that the WBA will order Floyd Schofield to face Lucas Bahdi for the belt. Schofield last fought in June, scoring a first-round stoppage of Tevin Farmer to strengthen his position as a leading contender. Bahdi, also unbeaten, most recently earned a unanimous decision victory over Roger Gutierrez in August.
Under WBA rules, both sides will have 30 days to negotiate once the bout is formally ordered. If no agreement is reached within that window, the fight will proceed to a purse bid.
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