The WBA has officially named Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis its lightweight champion in recess and ordered unbeaten contenders Floyd Schofield and Lucas Bahdi to fight for the vacant world title.
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The decision ends months of uncertainty surrounding Davis’ status after the unbeaten Baltimore star remained inactive and failed to defend his WBA championship. Rather than continue to hold up the division, the sanctioning body has moved to crown a new full champion.
Schofield, the WBA’s #1-ranked lightweight contender, has been ordered to face #2-ranked Bahdi for the vacant belt.
The matchup gives both fighters the biggest opportunity of their careers. Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs) has steadily climbed the rankings with victories over Tevin Farmer and Rene Tellez Giron, while Canada’s Bahdi (20-0, 18 KOs) broke into world-title contention after his upset knockout victory over Ashton Sylve before adding another win to remain unbeaten.
Davis had previously been 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 are unable to defend their belts for an extended period. 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 major chapter to one of boxing’s deepest and most competitive divisions.
Gervonta Davis Named Champion in Recess; Schofield and Bahdi to Fight for Vacant Titlehttps://t.co/MTax0m63fW
— WBA Boxing (@WBABoxing) June 26, 2026
Last Updated on 2026/06/26 at 1:21 PM
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