The WBA is reportedly set to order a world title showdown at 135lbs after stripping Gervonta Davis of his black and gold belt in January.
Davis became the sanctioning body’s ‘champion in recess’, meaning he has not been completely removed from the picture, after being dealt a domestic violence charge at the beginning of 2026.
Naturally, his unsavoury behaviour outside the ring has resulted in a prolonged spell of inactivity, which is also why the WBA no longer considers him an active champion.
The 31-year-old’s last outing saw him make a successful WBA title defence, boxing to a controversial draw against Lamont Roach in March 2025, before inking a deal to face Jake Paul in an exhibition match.
Due to allegations of domestic violence, though, Davis was ultimately removed from the event and replaced by Anthony Joshua, who scored a sixth-round finish over Paul in December.
As for the vacant WBA lightweight title, boxing journalist Dan Rafael reported via social media on Monday that the organisation will order a clash between Floyd Schofield and Lucas Badhi.
“Letters expected to go out this week but [the WBA] told me [on] Sunday it will order Floyd Schofield-Lucas Bahdi [for the] vacant 135[lb] title.”
Schofield has not fought since his blistering first-round finish over Tevin Farmer in June, when the 23-year-old cemented himself as the WBA’s leading lightweight contender.
Placed just behind him in the rankings is Bahdi, another unbeaten operator, who comes off a unanimous decision victory over Roger Gutierrez in August.
As per the WBA’s rules and regulations, both parties will be given a 30-day negotiation window once their world title fight is ordered, with their matchup heading to a purse bid hearing if a deal cannot be reached.
