Floyd Schofield captured the vacant WBA lightweight title against Lucas Bahdi on Saturday night, but his uneven performance looked nothing like the explosive first-round finish he produced against Tevin Farmer well over a year ago.
Schofield (20-0, 13 KOs) won a unanimous decision at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, with scores of 116-110, 119-108, and 115-111. Bahdi (20-1, 15 KOs) supplied enough heavy punches and difficult moments to make that 119-108 card look particularly generous.
The long layoff appeared to show in Schofield’s timing and decision-making. His hand speed remained an advantage, but he alternated between sharp boxing and wild attacks that left him available for Bahdi’s counters. Against Farmer, everything ended before those weaknesses could be tested. Bahdi stayed around and kept testing them.
Schofield started well behind his jab, using quick combinations and lateral movement to make Bahdi chase. A third-round left hook sent Bahdi into the ropes for a knockdown, giving Schofield an early cushion.
That success did not lead to a comfortable night. Bahdi’s body punching and heavier shots kept him competitive, and the sixth round became a dangerous firefight. Schofield was badly rocked but answered with his own punches, showing toughness while taking risks he could have avoided.
His better work came when he returned to boxing. Bahdi struggled to cut off the ring consistently, allowing Schofield to score and move before the heavier return shots arrived.
The ninth brought controversy when Schofield’s knee touched the canvas after a Bahdi right hand without a knockdown being called. Bahdi received an official knockdown in the eleventh, although their feet tangled as Schofield went down.
Schofield used movement to negotiate the final round and secure the belt. He deserved credit for surviving the rough stretches, but winning a title should not obscure an untidy return.
Another lengthy absence would hardly help: he needs regular rounds to sharpen his timing and learn when to stop trading.
