Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs), a 32-year-old Canadian, burst onto the scene in July 2024 by faceplanting touted prospect Ashton Sylve in the sixth round of a fight that he was losing handily.

He's promising to plaster Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs) similarly as he headlines a Golden Boy and MVP show on DAZN.

"This is a massive opportunity for me. This is everything," Bahdi told The Ring.

"This is what I always dreamed of, and exactly where I saw myself. We put in the work, and we took the right fights at the right time, and here we are in my first world title shot. I will be moving on to bigger things and bigger fights after this. I am super-excited and appreciative."

After blasting Sylve, Bahdi was rewarded with a promotional contract with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions soon after. Bahdi went from fighting away from the spotlight in Canada to fighting in Mexico to headlining shows and beating two more unbeaten prospects (Armando Casamonica; Ryan James Racaza) and even former 130-pound titleholder Roger Gutierrez last time out in August 2025.

"Without a big promoter and a big network, it's hard to get recognition in this game," Bahdi said. "I was working away and getting the best work that I could get. When the opportunity arises, you have to take the bull by the horns and show what you could do, and that's what I did.

"I'm constantly improving; there's no doubt about it. Even where I am today, I'm better every single day. I had a big amateur career in Canada, but coming from Canada, we don't really get covered much. There is a lot of Canadian talent that no one really knows about. Sometimes it just takes an opportunity like the one I had on a big stage to really get noticed.

"I have tons of experience, and I'm ready for this moment. This is everything I've ever worked for. I've been at this for a long time. I dedicated my life to it. I'm a professional through and through, and right now is my time."

Bahdi, a +500 betting underdog, will have to overcome the odds once again to upset Schofield, who last fought in June 2025 and stopped former 130-pound titleholder Tevin Farmer inside of 80 seconds. Before Farmer, Schofield's chin was checked when he was knocked down in the 11th round against Rene Tellez Giron.

"Of course he makes mistakes, and hittable is beatable," Bahdi said. "He's also very vulnerable. I know what I have to do to get the win. I don't know what kind of strategy he's going to come up with, but whatever he brings I'm going to adapt to it, adjust and take care of business. I see this being a very exciting fight, with me getting the stoppage win."

The Ring ranks Schofield No. 7 in the division, and Bahdi eighth. Schofield is ranked No. 1 by the WBA, and Bahdi is second. They'll be fighting for the belt previously held by Gervonta Davis.

Schofield told The Ring that his sparring partners will prove to be tougher than the beatable Bahdi and that he doesn't see anything special in his opponent.

"He could say what he wants, but he will be in for a big surprise come Saturday night," Bahdi said.

"I bring a lot to the table, and I don't think he really knows what kind of skill sets I carry. He's going to see the complete version of me, and he's going to be shocked once I start touching him up on Saturday. I absolutely see myself getting a stoppage win, and beating Schofield will put me into a whole other bracket."

Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan