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.