The World Boxing Association has ordered a mandatory lightweight title fight between reigning champion Gervonta Davis and No. 1 contender Floyd Schofield. The sanctioning body notified both camps on Saturday, May 23, and gave them 30 days to negotiate a deal, with that window set to expire on June 22.
The order comes under WBA Championship Rule C.10, which requires champions in all divisions except heavyweight to defend their titles within nine months of winning them. In Davis’ case, the timeline is well past due. His most recent fight took place on March 1, 2025, when he kept the lightweight title after a majority draw against Lamont Roach. Because of that result, the WBA says the mandatory defense should have already been completed.
The organization also cited Rule C.13, which limits a champion from fighting anyone other than the official mandatory challenger within 60 days after the mandatory defense deadline has passed. That rule further reinforces the WBA’s position that Davis must face Schofield next unless an exception is granted under its procedures.
For now, both sides have a short negotiation period to reach terms for the bout. If the Davis and Schofield camps are unable to agree, or if either side declines to negotiate, the WBA may order a purse bid to determine the fight’s promotional rights and financial split.
The development adds pressure on Davis, one of boxing’s biggest stars, as the lightweight division awaits clarity on his next move. Schofield, as the top-ranked contender, now has the official backing of the WBA to challenge for the title. The mandatory order means the fight is now the governing body’s priority, and the champion is expected to either defend against Schofield or face further action from the sanctioning organization.
The announcement is significant because it places the heavyweight-free divisional defense deadline at the center of the dispute and leaves little room for delay. With the negotiation clock already running, the next steps will determine whether the fight is made at the negotiating table or pushed into a purse bid process.
