BoxRec

Gervonta Davis named 'Champion in Recess'; Floyd Schofield and Lucas Bahdi to fight for vacant lightweight title

The World Boxing Association announced today it has designated Gervonta Davis as “Champion in Recess” at lightweight.

According to the WBA web site, their Championships Committee reviewed 31-year-old Davis’ legal situation and, citing championship rules C.21, C.22, and C.27, and provisions of the WBA Code of Ethics, came to the conclusion that his ongoing proceedings, “…could result in a trial and affect his ability to defend the title within the timeframes established by WBA regulations.”

Davis, 30-0-1 (28 KOs), captured the WBA lightweight title in 2019 and previously held their junior lightweight championship as well.

Presumably to keep one of boxing’s most competitive divisions moving, the WBA say they’ve additionally ordered WBA No. 1 Floyd Schofield, 19-0 (13 KOs), and WBA No. 2 Lucas Bahdi, 20-0 (15 KOs), to battle for the now vacated title.

Gervonta Davis' WBA title vacant, Schofield-Bahdi ordered for belt

The WBA has made its move regarding their lightweight title.

The sanctioning body has officially named Gervonta Davis “Champion in Recess.” Additionally, Floyd Schofield and Lucas Bahdi, ranked No. 1 and No. 2 at 135 pounds, have been ordered to fight for the vacant title.

“The Championships Committee of the pioneering organization reviewed Davis’ legal situation and reached its decision after determining that the ongoing proceedings could prevent him from fulfilling his championship obligations in the short and medium term,” the WBA said.

When Davis returns, he’ll be allowed an immediate shot at whoever holds his old belt.

As the WBA alluded to, Davis has had to deal with numerous legal issues over the past eight months.

On October 30, Davis' ex-girlfriend Courtney Rossel filed a civil lawsuit in Miami-Dade County, accusing Davis of aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Rossel said the incident occured on October 27 at Tootsie’s Cabaret, a Miami gentlemen’s club where she was employed as a VIP cocktail server.

Rossel alleged that Davis grabbed her by her head and throat, took her against her will out of the nightclub, and dragged her out of the back exit and into a nearby parking garage, where he assaulted her.

Davis was arrested on January 28 in Miami by the Miami Gardens Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force after an arrest warrant for the alleged domestic violence was issued on January 14.

However, as reported by The Ring a few weeks ago, the 31-year-old power puncher has been planning his return. Davis, who hasn’t been seen since a majority decision draw against Lamont Roach in 2025, was ordered to fight Schofield in May.

The Ring initially reported that the two sides were deep in discussions. Nonetheless, those talks eventually broke down, leading the WBA to make its decision.

Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs) hasn't been in action since he made quick work of Tevin Farmer, stopping the former champion in one round, in June 2025.

As for Bahdi, he’ll also get a chance to fight for his first world title. He’s undefeated in 20 pro fights and picked up a wide decision against Roger Gutierrez last August.

The WBA will hold a purse bid Aug. 11 for the Floyd Schofield-Lucas Badhi vacant lightweight title fight, it announced. Quality fight between two of the @ringmagazine’s top 10 at 135 pounds.

If he doesn't have a bout in the next three months, Floyd Schofield will have fought once in two years.
Thanks to Gary Russell and Keith Thurman we have clearly established the difference between a part time boxer and a full time boxer, Schofield is on the same trajectory as them.
Can't be sure if Floyd Schofield will be boxing Lucas Bahdi or Bhad Bhabie at this point.

Schofield-Bahdi purse bid ordered by WBA for vacant 135-pound title

Purse bid enthusiasts, rejoice.

Two days after the boxing world enjoyed proceedings surrounding the WBO's ordered purse bid between welterweight champion Devin Haney and mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis, another sanctioning body is following suit with a similar decree.

The WBA on Saturday ordered a purse bid for a fight between Floyd Schofield and Lucas Bahdi for the vacant lightweight title, a belt formerly held by Gervonta Davis.

The purse bid will take place on August 11 in Cypress, Texas, at 11 a.m. CT and a minimum bid of $150,000 will be required. The final winning figure will be split 50-50 between Schofield and Bahdi.

The WBA shared the following statement: "The WBA has formally notified all involved promoters and provided them with the corresponding purse bid regulations and official bid forms. The Championships Committee had previously granted a negotiation period for the bout, but after the parties were unable to reach an agreement, the contest was ordered to a purse bid."

Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs), a 23-year-old from Austin, Texas, is promoted by Golden Boy. He's the WBA's No. 1-ranked contender at 135 pounds and last fought in June 2025, blasting former 130-pound champion Tevin Farmer inside one round.

Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs), a 32-year-old from Ontario, Canada, is promoted by MVP. He is ranked No. 2 by the WBA and beat Roger Gutierrez last time out in August by unanimous decision.

Floyd Schofield vs Lucas Bahdi title fight planned for October 10th

Two undefeated lightweights will meet for Gervonta Davis’ former title in October

Floyd Schofield announced yesterday that Golden Boy Promotions and Most Valuable Promotions had come to terms for his ordered WBA lightweight title fight opposite Lucas Bahdi, avoiding an impending purse bid in the process. Now, Schofield manager Michael Miller tells Manouk Akopyan that the pair will meet on October 10th, most likely in Las Vegas.

The WBA, in a long overdue fit of functionality, stripped Gervonta Davis of the belt and relegated him to “champion in recess” amidst “Tank’s” ongoing hiatus and nonstop barrage of legal issues. Thus, two undefeated contenders squaring off for the title.

Schofield (19-0, 13 KO) has fought just once since getting off the canvas to beat Rene Tellez Giron in November 2024, notably missing out on a crack at Shakur Stevenson after a last-second bout of illness, but that one fight produced a hell of a statement. Tevin Farmer, fresh off of two close losses to William Zepeda, lasted just 78 seconds before succumbing to Schofield’s power last June.

That said, this isn’t Bahdi’s (20-0, 15 KO) first run-in with a hot prospect. “Prince” blew the doors off of Ashton Sylve in 2024, and though he’s yet to produce similar highlight in the last couple years, he did beat two undefeated fighters and faded former titlist Roger Gutierrez.

Good fight; hopefully it won’t be condemned to DAZN Ultimate.

Schofield, Bahdi agree to fight for WBA 135-pound title

Floyd Schofield Jr. and Lucas Bahdi have agreed to a deal to fight for the vacant WBA lightweight title.
The sanctioning body had scheduled a purse bid for Tuesday with a minimum bid set for $150,000, but it won't be needed after all.

The purse bid was postponed because Golden Boy, Schofield's promoter, and Most Valuable Promotions, Bahdi's promoter, came to an agreement, Schofield wrote on social media.

"The fight will take place on October 10 and we are 99% sure it will be in Las Vegas," Schofield's manager Michael Miller told The Ring on Wednesday. "We are thankful for the opportunity to fight for a title. It's something we've been waiting on for years."

The vacant title that Schofield and Bahdi will be fighting for was formerly held by Gervonta Davis. Schofield is ranked No. 1 by the WBA, Bahdi is No. 2.

Both fighters are also ranked in The Ring's top 10 at 135 pounds, with Schofield holding the No. 6 position and Bahdi at No. 8.
Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs), a 23-year-old from Austin, Texas, last fought in June 2025 and stopped former junior lightweight titleholder Tevin Farmer in the first round. It was a statement performance for Schofield, who was supposed to face Shakur Stevenson four months prior but abruptly pulled out of the encounter during fight week while citing an illness.

Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs), a 32-year-old from Ontario, Canada, has made a solid name for himself ever since scoring a vicious knockout of then-undefeated prospect Ashton Sylve in July 2024.

Following the win, Bahdi went on to also hand Armando Casamonica and Ryan James Racaza the first losses of their careers. In his most recent fight, Bahdi scored a 12-round unanimous decision against Roger Gutierrez in August of last year.

Schofield vs Bahdi set for WBA lightweight title in Chicago in October

Floyd Schofield and Lucas Bahdi were designated to fight for the WBA 135lb title after Gervonta Davis was declared Champion in Recess

Floyd Schofield is expected to face Lucas Bahdi for the vacant WBA lightweight title in Chicago on Saturday, October 10.

• The belt was previously held by Gervonta Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs), and there were talks that “Tank” could potentially face Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs).

• In June, the WBA declared Davis “Champion in Recess” and designated Schofield and Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs) to fight for the vacant 135-pound title.

The Ring’s Mike Coppinger reported the matchup in a social media post, citing sources. An official announcement has yet to be made.

Undefeated Floyd Schofield of Jersey City, New Jersey, hasn’t fought since the middle of last year, when he knocked out Tevin Farmer in the first round. The Austin, Texas-based 23-year-old was scheduled to return to the ring last November against Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, but withdrew due to an injury.

Canada’s unbeaten Lucas Bahdi, 32, comes off two unanimous decision victories last year against Roger Gutierrez and Ryan James Racaza.

The WBA ranks Schofield as the No. 1 contender at lightweight, while Bahdi is ranked No. 2.

ANNOUNCED: Floyd Schofield will fight Lucas Bahdi for the WBA lightweight title, and Ricardo Sandoval will defend his WBA and WBC flyweight titles against Ring strawweight king Oscar Collazo on October 10th in Chicago on DAZN

Ring, unified 105-pound champ Collazo moves up vs. Sandoval on Oct. 10

Ring and unified strawweight champion Oscar Collazo is taking the next step in his career, jumping up two weight divisions.

Purposely skipping the 108-pound class, where compatriot and friend Rene Santiago (16-4, 9 KOs) is also a unified beltholder, Collazo made official his intentions to snare a Ricardo Sandoval fight. Two months later, The Ring's No. 10 pound-for-pound boxer has just that.

Collazo-Sandoval will feature as the co-main event with unbeaten contenders Floyd Schofield and Lucas Bahdi contesting the vacant WBA lightweight world championship in the headliner on October 10. The event will be streamed exclusively live worldwide on DAZN from Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs) was naturally bullish as he ends a 16-month absence for a career-best opportunity.

"I've worked my whole life for an opportunity like this, one fight away from accomplishing my dream of becoming a world champion. I know Lucas Bahdi is coming to fight and will bring his best, but am prepared for whatever he brings. It's time to show the world I belong at the top of the lightweight division," he said in a press release.

Canada's Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs) meanwhile was quoted as saying: "I've been waiting to fight for a world title since the first time I laced up a pair of gloves. I'm extremely appreciative of this opportunity and can't wait."

Collazo spoke of his gratitude and acknowledged the "massive opportunity" ahead.

"I am grateful to Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy for giving me this massive opportunity to move up in weight for a great fight and make history for Puerto Rican boxing by facing another unified champion. Sandoval is a challenge that motivates me and my team."

Collazo (15-0, 12 KOs) blasted beyond short-notice opponent Neider Valdez in two rounds June 20 in Oceanside, California before reaffirming a desire to be tested against the world's best. That victory marked the southpaw's fifth straight stoppage, with other divisional champions Pedro Taduran (IBF) and Siyakholwa Kuse (WBC) in sight.

Ryusei Matsumoto (8-0, 4 KOs) will face Russell Acosta (17-0, 6 KOs) for the interim WBO title on September 27, the sanctioning body confirmed on social media Thursday. The winner, slated as part of the Takuma Inoue-Tenshin Nasukawa II undercard in Tokyo, Japan will be elevated as soon as Collazo-Sandoval begins two weeks later.

"I'm also motivated to make all of this possible; I was looking to make history and prove that there are no limits when you know what you're capable of. This isn't just for me—this is for Puerto Rico, to raise the level. I know how far I can go, and this fight is going to catapult my career to even bigger things," Collazo added in the same release.

Oscar De La Hoya, whose Golden Boy Promotions represents both, deemed a potential matchup "the biggest, best fight out there for both guys." 27-year-old Sandoval was originally slated to defend his WBA and WBC flyweight crowns against Galal Yafai June 6 in Sheffield, England before the Olympic champion withdrew through injury.

He'll be ending a 17-month layoff but didn't seem deterred by the size of the task at hand against an in-form fighter with big ambitions to continue his exploits among fresh, more dangerous opposition.

"Mexico vs. Puerto Rico always brings out the best in both fighters, and I know this is going to be a great fight for the fans. I've been putting in the work in the gym, feeling focused, strong and ready to defend what's mine," Sandoval said.

Floyd Schofield-Lucas Bahdi, Oscar Collazo-Ricardo Sandoval to Chicago on October 10

Golden Boy Promotions will attempt to send a second fighter to a lightweight title within two months on October 10 when unbeaten Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield meets Lucas Bahdi for the vacant WBA belt in Chicago.

The card’s co-main event is a compelling unified flyweight bout pitting WBC/WBC champion Ricardo Sandoval versus Puerto Rico’s long-reigning strawweight champion and pound-for-pound member Oscar Collazo.

In the bout to replace vacated and legally troubled former champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Schofield, 19-0 (13 KOs), attempts to claim the belt from Canada’s WBA No. 2-ranked Bahdi, 20-0 (15 KOs), at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

DAZN will stream the card with pre-sale tickets available today via Ticketmaster.

“There’s been enough talk outside the ring, and now I’m ready to let my fists do the talking,” Schofield said in a prepared statement. “I’ve worked my whole life for an opportunity like this, and I’m just one fight away from accomplishing my dream of becoming a world champion.

“I know Lucas Bahdi is coming to fight and will bring his best, but I’m prepared for whatever he brings. On October 10, it’s time to settle everything inside the ring and show the world that I belong at the top of the lightweight division. I’m coming to put on a show and leave Chicago as a world champion.”

Bahdi, who has impressively mounted an underdog pursuit of the belt that included a 2024 upset knockout of Ashton Sylve on an Most Valuable Promotions card, now is one victory away.

“I’ve been waiting to fight for a world title since the first time I laced up a pair of gloves. I’m extremely appreciative of this opportunity and can’t wait for October 10 in Chicago,” Bahdi said in his prepared remarks.

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya, who witnessed his lightweight from Mexico, William Zepeda, capture the vacant WBC belt August 1 in Las Vegas over Lamont Roach Jnr, said this battle of unbeatens should give his promotion another strap.

“Floyd Schofield III is just one fight away from becoming the WBA lightweight world champion, a feat every fighter dreams of accomplishing,” De La Hoya in the fight’s announcement. “He has a tough test in front of him in Lucas Bahdi, but we’re confident ‘Kid Austin’ will rise to the occasion and pass with flying colors.

“The co-main event is going to be a barn burner, with Ricardo Sandoval defending his unified WBC and WBA flyweight world titles against one of Puerto Rico’s finest, former WBO, WBA and Ring Magazine minimumweight world champion Oscar Collazo, who is going up two divisions to face Sandoval. Chicago will be on fire with this card because it’ll be Golden Boy vs. MVP, and everyone knows nobody builds and develops fighters like Golden Boy.”

MVP founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian say Bahdi “has earned this moment.”

“He has proven himself as one of the most dangerous and talented contenders in the lightweight division, and now he has the opportunity to achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a world champion,” Paul and Bidarian said. “We believe Lucas has everything it takes to bring the WBA lightweight world championship home to Canada.”

Collazo effectively cleaned out the 105lbs division as he now goes after the unified 112lbs title that Southern California’s Sandoval, 27-2 (18 KOs) claimed in July by defeating Kenshiro Teraji in Yokohama, Japan.

"I am grateful … for … this massive opportunity to move up in weight for a great fight and make history for Puerto Rican boxing by facing another unified champion,” Collazo said. “Sandoval is a challenge that motivates me and my team. I'm also motivated to make all of this possible; I was looking to make history and prove that there are no limits when you know what you're capable of doing.

“This isn't just for me – this is for Puerto Rico and to raise the level of Puerto Rican boxing. I know how far I can go, and this fight is going to catapult my career to even bigger things. Believe me, he has what's mine; we want to do great things, and he's standing in the way. I know that with my ability, the support of my people, and the team I have, we are going to achieve it. This fight defines my career, and with this victory, I know even bigger opportunities will come."

Golden Boy doubleheader: Schofield vs Bahdi, Collazo moves up to challenge Sandoval

Golden Boy has a pair of intriguing world title fights coming to Chicago

Floyd Schofield and Lucas Bahdi will fight for the vacant WBA lightweight title, and 105 lb king Oscar Collazo will jump two divisions to challenge unified flyweight titlist Ricardo Sandoval.

It’s a strong Golden Boy doubleheader, which will take place Saturday, October 10, from Chicago’s Wintrust Arena, a rare championship-level card for the boxing-neglected Windy City.

The show will stream live on DAZN.

Schofield (19-0, 13 KO) and Bahdi (20-0, 15 KO) has been expected for months now, as WBA champ Gervonta “Tank” Davis has obviously been sidelined by some combination of personal and legal issues, and was downgraded to “champion in recess” by the WBA in January of this year.

Schofield vs Bahdi matchup
Davis hasn’t fought since his March 2025 draw with Lamont Roach Jr. He barked quickly and loudly about scheduling a rematch quickly, but nothing ever came to fruition. The closest Davis has come to getting back in the ring was a novelty fight against 200 lb Jake Paul late last year, but Paul scrapped that after another Davis arrest and fought Anthony Joshua instead.

The 24-year-old Schofield has been pretty inactive, too, biding his time until whatever WBA decision actually came down. Now he’s got that. He last fought in June 2025, thrashing veteran Tevin Farmer in 78 seconds. Schofield was set to fight another veteran, JoJo Diaz, last November, but that fight was canceled when Schofield was reportedly injured.

Canada’s Bahdi, 32, has been with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions after he knocked out Ashton “H2O” Sylve, then MVP’s top prospect, in the sixth round of their fight in July 2024. He hasn’t really done much with that win in one sense, but what he’s done has kept him busy enough and obviously put him in position for a WBA title fight after wins over Armando Casamonica, Ryan James Racaza, and a long-faded Roger Gutierrez. Basically, Bahdi was signed up as a B-side to make a prospect look good, disagreed with that plan, and since then has been kind of treated like a prospect himself, even though he’s in is 30s.

Bahdi’s power stopped Sylve, but he’s gone 10- and 12-round distances with all three opponents since then, and it’s worth remembering he’d lost all five rounds to Sylve before the KO, too. Is he “lucky” to be in this position? Maybe, but he is here, and he has his shot, the same as Schofield, who has to take Bahdi seriously.

Collazo vs Sandoval matchup
Yes, Golden Boy are listing this as “Collazo (challenger) vs Sandoval (champion),” because they are truly behind Collazo. Not that they aren’t behind Sandoval at all, they promote both fighters, but it’s a quiet admission that they see Collazo as the bigger deal internally. Sandoval’s goal will be to change their minds, obviously.

Collazo (15-0, 12 KO) fought as a flyweight on short notice in June, wiping out the over-matched, late-notice opponent Neider Valdez inside of two rounds. That had been intended to be another defense of his WBA and WBO 105 lb titles, but the talk had been that he planned to move up by the end of the year anyway.

Sandoval (27-2, 18 KO) presents a much bigger threat than Valdez did. The 27-year-old “El Nino” went over to Japan and stunned Kenshiro Teraji to win the WBC and WBA flyweight titles in July 2025. He hasn’t fought since, but not for lack of trying. He was slated for a trip to the UK for a title defense this year, but opponent Galal Yafai withdrew due to injury.

Collazo is a terrific fighter who has earned a slot among the P4P top 10 in boxing, at least in my opinion, and I don’t think anyone could have him too far outside of the top 10. But 105 to 112 can be a big, big move. A lot of top 105 lb fighters just have not moved up well over the years, some even struggling with the smaller jump to 108, and we’re talking about some really great talents, some excellent boxers.

Collazo is officially listed at 5’2” with a 61-inch reach. Sandoval, who is a legit good boxer himself and not just some fluky guy holding a belt or two, is listed at 5’6” with a 67-inch reach. It’s a bold and admirable move by Collazo, who wants to prove himself in another division in what should be a real challenge, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he does.

BREAKING: Per Golden Boy, unified strawweight champion Oscar Collazo has suffered a rib injury during training and the fight with WBC/WBA flyweight champion Ricardo Sandoval is off. The rest of the card headlined by Floyd Schofield-Lucas Bahdi for the vacant WBA lightweight title goes on as planned. #boxing

COLLAZO INJURED, PULLS OUT OF OCT. 10 FIGHT WITH SANDOVAL

Oscar Collazo sustained a rib injury during training recently and was forced to withdraw Friday from his fight against Ricardo Sandoval on October 10 in Chicago.

Puerto Rico’s Collazo (15-0, 12 KOs), who owns The Ring, WBA and WBO 105-pound titles, was scheduled to move up two weight classes to challenge Sandoval for his WBA and WBC flyweight crowns. The bout between Collazo, ranked No. 10 on The Ring’s pound-for-pound list, and Sandoval (27-2, 18 KOs), of Rialto, California, will be rescheduled.

The Golden Boy Promotions card headlined by lightweight contenders Floyd Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs) and Lucas Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs) will proceed as planned October 10. DAZN will stream the Schofield-Bahdi bout for the vacant WBA 135-pound championship and undercard fights from DePaul University’s Wintrust Arena.

“This is a fight I wanted deeply,” Collazo said in a statement released by Golden Boy. “As a boxer, I pushed for this matchup to happen because I wanted to face this challenge and because I know how much it means to everyone who has been waiting to see it. My team and I have worked with seriousness and commitment throughout this camp, preparing to the fullest to be ready for fight day.

“Unfortunately, in high-level professional boxing, situations beyond our control can arise. Although today we have to accept this reality, this isn’t the end. My wish, and my team’s, is that we can find a new date and that this fight can happen, as we’ve all wanted, in front of you.”

bummer, that was an interesting fight

𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐀𝐋 Save the date for a full night of action on October 10th!

Ricardo Sandoval Sergio Mendoza
Jahmal Harvey Pedro Castaneda
Jan Paul Rivera Abraham Perfecto

𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈...
Joshua Edwards
Tristan Kalkreuth
Grant Flores
Naomy Valle

#SchofieldBahdi | LIVE on DAZN | Oct. 10
🎟 𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒘 🎟

Sandoval To Defend Flyweights Titles Against Mendoza On Oct. 10

Ricardo Sandoval is going to fight on October 10 after all.

The WBA and WBC flyweight champion was supposed to defend his titles against Oscar Collazo next month, but he pulled out last week after a rib injury during training.

Sandoval (27-2, 18 KOs) is now set to face Sergio Mendoza (27-1, 23 KOs) at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Golden Boy Promotions announced Friday. Their bout will serve as the co-feature before the main event between Floyd Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs) and Lucas Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs) for the vacant WBA lightweight title.

“I’m very excited to still be fighting in Chicago and to have the opportunity to defend my titles for the first time,” Sandoval said in a statement. “I’ve been training extremely hard and I’m ready to put on a great performance. I know the fans can expect an exciting fight, and I’m looking forward to stepping into the ring and giving them a show.”

Sandoval, of Rialto, California, has been snakebitten by opponent injuries scrapping significant fights ever since won his 112-pound titles by beating Kenshiro Teraji via split decision in July 2025.

Sandoval, 27, was supposed to face Galal Yafai on June 6 as part of a Matchroom Boxing card in the UK, but the fight was scrapped once Yafai fell injured.

Collazo is The Ring, WBA and WBO champion at 105 pounds and ranked No. 10 on The Ring’s pound-for-pound list. He was supposed to jump two weight classes for the slugfest against Sandoval before bowing out with an injury.

Mendoza, from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, will make his United States debut against Sandoval. He lost by second-round stoppage against 108-pound IBF champion Thanongsak Simsri in April in Japan.

But Mendoza, 26, is right back into a meaningful matchup despite the defeat.

“I want to thank the people who made this fight possible,” Mendoza said in a statement. “I’m going to leave my soul in the ring to become world champion.”

Also set to be featured on the undercard of the Golden Boy and MVP co-promoted show are a pair United States Olympians in lightweight Jahmal Harvey (4-0, 3 KOs) and heavyweight Joshua Edwards (7-0, 6 KOs).
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. F

Fight week!!

SCHOFIELD FEELS SPARRING PARTNERS BETTER THAN BAHDI

It’s hard to label an unbeaten, world-ranked contender as a steppingstone, but that’s exactly how Floyd Schofield sees Lucas Bahdi ahead of their fight Saturday night for the vacant WBA lightweight title.

Schofield-Bahdi will headline a Golden Boy and MVP co-promoted show. The main portion of DAZN’s undercard coverage is set to start at 8 p.m. ET from Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

Either a new star will be crowned in Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs) or the improbable run of Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs) will reach new heights as they battle for a belt previously held by Gervonta Davis.

“I hate trash talking, and I’m not really a trash talker, but I’ve been studying him nonstop, and there’s nothing that I see that he can bring to the table that I haven’t seen before,” Schofield told The Ring. “And that’s no offense Bahdi. He seems like a good fighter and a great dude, and it’s nothing personal, but I think my sparring partners are better than he is.
“But I do think that he possesses more than I’ve faced in the past when it comes to his patience, his will and power, because he could be down on the cards and still be in the fight. So, I definitely think those are the things that we have to look out for, but that’s with anybody. You can’t underestimate anybody’s power.”

Schofield, 24, showed off his superpowers last time out by starching former 130-pound titleholder Tevin Farmer inside of 80 seconds in June 2025. That statement performance cleansed the stench of Schofield’s saga of pulling out of a high-profile fight against Shakur Stevenson four months prior due to what was cited as a fight-week illness.

"With the Farmer fight, I came to the realization that I haven’t even scratched the surface of this sport yet,” Schofield said. “I was just happy and proud of myself that I was able to get a fighter like Farmer out of there so quickly. You can’t expect to have a performance like that every time, but that was nothing. I haven’t accomplished anything yet. I have to be hard on myself. Farmer was a true champion and a great fighter, but competition only gets harder from there.”

Bahdi is certainly used to upsetting prospects and is promising to do the same against Schofield. The 32-year-old Canadian burst onto the scene in July 2024 by blasting unbeaten upstart Ashton Sylve in a come-from-behind, Knockout of the Year contender.

His pulverizing performance landed Bahdi a promotional contract with Jake Paul’s MVP Promotions. He has since gone on to beat two more unbeatens in Armando Casamonica and Ryan James Racaza, as well as former 130-pound beltholder Roger Gutierrez in his last fight in August 2025.

“To starch Ashton the way that he did, you have to have power,” Schofield said. “Ashton is a great prospect, but he was kind of one-dimensional. It was just in your face, slipping shots, counters.”

Schofield, of Austin, Texas, is rated No. 1 by the WBA at 135 pounds; Bahdi is ranked second. The Ring has Schofield at No. 7 in the division and Bahdi eighth.

The winner will move into position to land a title unification fight against WBC champion William Zepeda or WBO titleholder Abdullah Mason. The IBF belt is vacant after former crownholder Raymond Muratalla vacated the title last month.

Schofield, an 8-1 favorite according to DraftKings, expects to beat Bahdi just as easily as bookmakers do.

“Bahdi is stationary,” Schofield. “He likes to keep that hand down and paws out. Statistics show that he gets hit quite a lot. I just don’t think he’ll be able to handle my speed, power, and versatility.

“I’m hard to impress. I just don’t see anything special about Bahdi. I think the best attribute he possesses is that power and patience. That’s pretty much it, but I bring a whole lot to the table, and on Saturday, everybody is going to see that.”

BAHDI READY TO RESUME UNDERDOG STORY, PROMISES TO STOP SCHOFIELD

Lucas Bahdi has been one of boxing's better feel-good stories over the last two years, and he'll be rewarded with a shot at the vacant WBA lightweight crown come Saturday against Floyd Schofield at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs), a 32-year-old Canadian, burst onto the scene in July 2024 by faceplanting touted prospect Ashton Sylve in the sixth round of a fight that he was losing handily.

He's promising to plaster Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs) similarly as he headlines a Golden Boy and MVP show on DAZN.

"This is a massive opportunity for me. This is everything," Bahdi told The Ring.

"This is what I always dreamed of, and exactly where I saw myself. We put in the work, and we took the right fights at the right time, and here we are in my first world title shot. I will be moving on to bigger things and bigger fights after this. I am super-excited and appreciative."

After blasting Sylve, Bahdi was rewarded with a promotional contract with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions soon after. Bahdi went from fighting away from the spotlight in Canada to fighting in Mexico to headlining shows and beating two more unbeaten prospects (Armando Casamonica; Ryan James Racaza) and even former 130-pound titleholder Roger Gutierrez last time out in August 2025.

"Without a big promoter and a big network, it's hard to get recognition in this game," Bahdi said. "I was working away and getting the best work that I could get. When the opportunity arises, you have to take the bull by the horns and show what you could do, and that's what I did.

"I'm constantly improving; there's no doubt about it. Even where I am today, I'm better every single day. I had a big amateur career in Canada, but coming from Canada, we don't really get covered much. There is a lot of Canadian talent that no one really knows about. Sometimes it just takes an opportunity like the one I had on a big stage to really get noticed.

"I have tons of experience, and I'm ready for this moment. This is everything I've ever worked for. I've been at this for a long time. I dedicated my life to it. I'm a professional through and through, and right now is my time."

Bahdi, a +500 betting underdog, will have to overcome the odds once again to upset Schofield, who last fought in June 2025 and stopped former 130-pound titleholder Tevin Farmer inside of 80 seconds. Before Farmer, Schofield's chin was checked when he was knocked down in the 11th round against Rene Tellez Giron.

"Of course he makes mistakes, and hittable is beatable," Bahdi said. "He's also very vulnerable. I know what I have to do to get the win. I don't know what kind of strategy he's going to come up with, but whatever he brings I'm going to adapt to it, adjust and take care of business. I see this being a very exciting fight, with me getting the stoppage win."

The Ring ranks Schofield No. 7 in the division, and Bahdi eighth. Schofield is ranked No. 1 by the WBA, and Bahdi is second. They'll be fighting for the belt previously held by Gervonta Davis.

Schofield told The Ring that his sparring partners will prove to be tougher than the beatable Bahdi and that he doesn't see anything special in his opponent.
"He could say what he wants, but he will be in for a big surprise come Saturday night," Bahdi said.

"I bring a lot to the table, and I don't think he really knows what kind of skill sets I carry. He's going to see the complete version of me, and he's going to be shocked once I start touching him up on Saturday. I absolutely see myself getting a stoppage win, and beating Schofield will put me into a whole other bracket."

Floyd Schofield has MISSED his first attempt at making weight for his vacant WBA Lightweight Title fight, coming in at 135.6lbs. Lucas Bahdi made weight, coming in at 134lbs (@ChavaESPN)

Floyd Schofield has made the 135-pound limit on his second attempt, I'm told. Schofield was slightly over on the first try but came back and made it. Lucas Bahdi also made weight. Fight is on.