WBA Orders Floyd Schofield vs. Lucas Bahdi Purse Bid For Vacant Lightweight Title

The ruling finally gives Schofield a clear destination after more than a year without a fight. His scheduled title bout with Shakur Stevenson collapsed during fight week in February 2025 after an illness forced him to withdraw. Schofield returned four months later by knocking out Tevin Farmer in one round, but a wrist injury canceled a planned clash with Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. No fight has been announced since.

Instead of waiting for another opportunity, Schofield now has the chance to win his first world title against one of the division’s leading contenders.

Bahdi enters the fight after climbing to the WBA’s No. 2 ranking, setting up a meeting between the organization’s top two available contenders. The unbeaten Canadian stands one victory away from claiming his first major world championship.

The purse bid leaves both promotional teams little room to maneuver. If Schofield and Bahdi fail to reach an agreement before August 11, the fight will head to open bidding, with the winning promoter determining the date and location.

Earlier Saturday, Schofield Sr. publicly renewed his call for a rescheduled fight with Shakur Stevenson as the layoff stretched beyond 13 months. Hours later, the WBA handed his son a different opportunity. Instead of waiting for another marquee fight, Schofield now sits one win away from becoming the WBA lightweight champion.