The World Boxing Association Championships Committee has officially ordered the mandatory lightweight title bout between reigning champion Gervonta Davis and the division’s No. 1 contender, Floyd Schofield.

The pioneering organization sent formal notification to both camps this Saturday, May 23, granting the parties a 30-day negotiation period that will expire on June 22.

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. 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.

Additionally, WBA 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 WBA will now allow the respective teams the allotted negotiation window to reach an agreement. Should the parties fail to come to terms — or if either side refuses to negotiate — the organization may proceed with a purse bid in accordance with its internal rules and regulations.