The sanctioning body has officially named Gervonta Davis “Champion in Recess.” Additionally, Floyd Schofield and Lucas Bahdi, ranked No. 1 and No. 2 at 135 pounds, have been ordered to fight for the vacant title.

“The Championships Committee of the pioneering organization reviewed Davis’ legal situation and reached its decision after determining that the ongoing proceedings could prevent him from fulfilling his championship obligations in the short and medium term,” the WBA said.

When Davis returns, he’ll be allowed an immediate shot at whoever holds his old belt.

As the WBA alluded to, Davis has had to deal with numerous legal issues over the past eight months.

On October 30, Davis' ex-girlfriend Courtney Rossel filed a civil lawsuit in Miami-Dade County, accusing Davis of aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Rossel said the incident occured on October 27 at Tootsie’s Cabaret, a Miami gentlemen’s club where she was employed as a VIP cocktail server.

Rossel alleged that Davis grabbed her by her head and throat, took her against her will out of the nightclub, and dragged her out of the back exit and into a nearby parking garage, where he assaulted her.

Davis was arrested on January 28 in Miami by the Miami Gardens Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force after an arrest warrant for the alleged domestic violence was issued on January 14.

However, as reported by The Ring a few weeks ago, the 31-year-old power puncher has been planning his return. Davis, who hasn’t been seen since a majority decision draw against Lamont Roach in 2025, was ordered to fight Schofield in May.

The Ring initially reported that the two sides were deep in discussions. Nonetheless, those talks eventually broke down, leading the WBA to make its decision.

Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs) hasn't been in action since he made quick work of Tevin Farmer, stopping the former champion in one round, in June 2025.

As for Bahdi, he’ll also get a chance to fight for his first world title. He’s undefeated in 20 pro fights and picked up a wide decision against Roger Gutierrez last August.