WBA Orders Gervonta Davis to Face Floyd Schofield in Mandatory Fight

Any plans for Gervonta Davis to ease back into the ring may have just hit a wall. The World Boxing Association has officially ordered Davis to face mandatory challenger Floyd Schofield, a move that effectively blocks the boxer from taking any alternate comeback fight for now.

In a statement released on May 23, the WBA confirmed that both camps have been given a 30-day negotiation window to finalize a lightweight title bout. If no agreement is reached by June 22, the sanctioning body could move forward with a purse bid.

The order arrives as Davis’ future in boxing remains clouded by legal and professional uncertainty. In recent months, reports linked the Baltimore fighter to a possible rematch with Isaac Cruz, with talks centered around a summer return at 140 pounds. But under WBA rules, Davis is now restricted from pursuing another opponent while the mandatory title defense remains unresolved.

According to the organization, the decision is tied directly to inactivity. WBA rules require champions outside the heavyweight division to defend their belts every nine months. Davis has not fought since March 1, 2025, when he retained his lightweight title in a controversial majority draw against Lamont Roach Jr. The fight sparked debate after Davis took a knee during the bout without the referee ruling it a knockdown.

The WBA also cited another regulation stating that champions cannot accept a non-mandatory fight within 60 days of the mandatory defense deadline. That language appears to shut down any immediate plans for Davis to take a tune-up or alternate comeback bout before addressing Schofield.

Davis has spent much of the past year dealing with issues outside the ring. The undefeated boxer became the subject of a criminal investigation and civil lawsuit tied to an alleged domestic violence incident in Miami. His former girlfriend, Courtney Rossel, accused Davis of battery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and emotional distress following an alleged altercation at her workplace in October 2025.

Surveillance footage later shown in court appeared to depict Davis grabbing Rossel by the neck and hair and forcing her through a hallway and stairwell.

Authorities issued an arrest warrant earlier this year, while prosecutors later dropped one false imprisonment charge they described as overlapping with the kidnapping allegation still pending.

The fallout has already cost Davis opportunities. His planned fight with Jake Paul was scrapped, and the WBA previously moved him to “champion in recess” status before now pushing forward with the Schofield mandate.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.org for confidential support and local resources available 24/7.