Floyd Schofield And Lucas Bahdi Sign For Vacant WBA Title

Bahdi, 32, forced his way into contention through a less protected route. His sixth-round knockout of Ashton Sylve in July 2024 transformed his career and earned him a promotional agreement with Most Valuable Promotions. Bahdi has since defeated Armando Casamonica, Ryan James Racaza and former WBA super featherweight champion Roger Gutierrez, building his record to 20-0 with 15 knockouts.

Schofield has the faster hands and greater explosiveness, but Bahdi represents a serious test that cannot be dismissed as developmental work. The Canadian is physically strong, patient under pressure and dangerous enough to end a fight with one clean combination. Sylve controlled much of their contest before Bahdi caught him with a crushing left-right combination in the sixth.

That power will require discipline from Schofield. He has occasionally relied too heavily on his athletic advantages, leaving openings while attacking. Rene Tellez Giron exploited those defensive lapses and dropped him during their 2024 fight.

Bahdi is unlikely to beat Schofield through speed, but he does not need to win every exchange. He needs to remain close enough to punish Schofield when the younger fighter attacks recklessly or pulls straight back with his hands low.

The WBA placed Gervonta Davis in its “champion in recess” category in June after determining that his pending legal proceedings may prevent him from fulfilling his championship obligations. The organization then directed Schofield and Bahdi to contest its vacant lightweight belt.

Golden Boy and Most Valuable Promotions reached an agreement before the purse-bid process was completed. The winner will become the WBA’s active lightweight champion, leaving a future consolidation fight with Davis available if the organization restores him to active status.