The World Boxing Association has ordered a mandatory lightweight title fight between Gervonta Davis and Floyd Schofield, the division’s No. 1 contender. The sanctioning body has officially informed both camps and opened a 30-day negotiation period that runs through June 22.
The ruling puts Davis under pressure to defend his belt against the official challenger. The WBA said the bout falls under its championship rules, which require titleholders in non-heavyweight divisions to defend within nine months of winning the championship.
WBA rules push the matchup forward
Davis’ latest ring appearance came on March 1, 2025, when he retained his title in a majority draw against Lamont Roach. That result left the mandatory defense past the required window, prompting the WBA to act.
The organization also pointed to Rule C.13 on bout limitations, which prevents a champion from facing any boxer other than the official mandatory challenger within 60 days after the mandatory defense period expires. That rule adds further urgency to the case.
Negotiation period now underway
The WBA has given both sides time to reach an agreement before taking the next procedural step. If the Davis and Schofield teams cannot finalize terms, or if one side declines to negotiate, the organization can move to a purse bid under its rules.
For now, the focus remains on the 30-day window and whether the two camps can settle the terms of a fight. If no agreement comes, the mandatory showdown will likely be decided through the WBA’s formal bidding process.
Read more at: www.wbaboxing.com
