Gervonta Davis has been ordered to defend his WBA lightweight title against Floyd Schofield. The World Boxing Association Championships Committee has officially ordered the mandatory title bout.
Negotiation Period Begins
Formal notification was sent to both camps on Saturday, May 23. A 30-day negotiation period has been granted to both parties, expiring on June 22. The respective teams now have the allotted negotiation window to reach an agreement.
Should the parties fail to come to terms, the organisation may proceed with a purse bid. This will be done in accordance with its internal rules and regulations. Should either side refuse to negotiate, the same process will apply.
Mandatory Defence Overdue
Under Championship Rule C.10, champions in all divisions outside of heavyweight are required to defend their titles every nine months. This period is measured from the date the championship was obtained. Davis’ last appearance came on March 1, 2025, when he retained the title via majority draw against Lamont Roach.
This makes the mandatory defence significantly overdue.
Bout Limitations
WBA Rule C.13 covers bout limitations. It states that a champion may not compete against any boxer other than the official mandatory challenger within sixty days after the expiration of the mandatory defense period.
- Davis last fought on March 1, 2025.
- He retained the title via majority draw against Lamont Roach.
- The negotiation period expires on June 22.
The WBA will now allow the respective teams the allotted negotiation window to reach an agreement.