WBA Orders Gervonta Davis To Defend Against Floyd Schofield

The sanctioning body says Tank’s lightweight mandatory defense is overdue and has set a June 22 negotiation deadline

The WBA has officially ordered Gervonta “Tank” Davis to defend his lightweight title against unbeaten mandatory challenger Floyd Schofield after ruling the defense overdue under its championship rules. Both camps now have until June 22 to negotiate a deal before the sanctioning body can move toward a purse bid.

Under WBA rules, champions outside the heavyweight division are required to defend their titles every nine months from the date they won the belt. Tank’s last fight came on March 1, 2025, when he fought to a 12-round majority draw against Lamont Roach, who moved up from 130 pounds for the bout.

The WBA said Davis’ mandatory defense is now significantly overdue.

“Under Championship Rule C.10, Title Defense Periods, champions in all divisions outside of heavyweight are required to defend their titles every nine (9) months from the date the championship was obtained,” the WBA said in its statement.

“In Davis’ case, his last appearance came on March 1, 2025, when he retained the title via majority draw against Lamont Roach, leaving the mandatory defense significantly overdue.”

The WBA also pointed to Rule C.13, which limits who a champion can fight after the mandatory defense period expires.

“Rule C.13 — Bout Limitations — states that a champion may not compete against any boxer other than the official mandatory challenger within sixty (60) days after the expiration of the mandatory defense period.”

The organization said the two sides now have until June 22 to reach an agreement. If negotiations fail or either side refuses to negotiate, the WBA could move forward with a purse bid.

Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs) has been waiting for a title opportunity, while Tank (30-0-1, 28 KOs) has remained inactive since the draw with Roach more than a year ago. It’s unclear what direction the WBA would take if Davis chooses not to move ahead with the ordered defense.

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