The World Boxing Association (WAB) has ordered a mandatory fight between reigning lightweight champion (61.2 kg) Gervona Davis to enter the ring against Floyd Schofield.
"The WBA sent official notice to both sides on Saturday (May 23), giving both parties a 30-day negotiation period that will end on June 22," the WBA said in a statement on its official website, which was monitore.
The decision is a crucial step in determining the direction of the WBA lightweight division, which has been fiercely contested for the past few years.
Under the WBA Championship Rules, title holders in all divisions outside of heavyweight are required to defend their titles every nine months from the date the championship was acquired.
However, in Davis' case, his last appearance came on March 1, 2025, when he defended the title via majority draw against Lamont Roach, so his mandatory defense has already exceeded the stipulated time.
Additionally, the organization's rules regarding bout limitations state that a champion may not compete against any boxer other than the official mandatory challenger within sixty (60) days after the end of the mandatory defense period.
