MIAMI — The World Boxing Association (WBA) designated Gervonta "Tank" Davis as champion in recess and ordered Floyd Schofield and Lucas Bahdi to compete for the vacant lightweight title on June 26, 2026. The WBA stated the decision follows Davis' ongoing legal proceedings in the United States.

The WBA's Championships Committee reviewed Davis' legal situation. The WBA statement read: "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. According to publicly available information, Davis is currently facing pending legal proceedings in the United States that could result in a trial and affect his ability to defend the title within the timeframes established by WBA regulations."

Courtney Rossel, Davis' ex-boyfriend, accused him of battery and kidnapping. This incident occurred at Tootsies gentlemen's club in Miami on October 27, 2025. In April 2026, a Maryland judge issued a warrant for Davis' arrest, as the altercation was deemed a potential violation of his Maryland probation order.

The WBA had previously named Davis champion in recess in January 2026, but he was reinstated as champion a few months later. In May 2026, the WBA ordered Davis to face Floyd Schofield. The latest designation of Davis as champion in recess led to the order for Schofield and Bahdi to fight for the vacant title.

Davis holds a professional record of 30 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw, with 28 knockouts. He captured the WBA (Regular) lightweight title in 2019 by defeating Yuriorkis Gamboa. He made four successful title defenses before being named the full WBA lightweight champion in 2023, after Devin Haney, the undisputed lightweight champion, exited the division.

Davis' recent fights include an eighth-round knockout victory over Frank Martin in June 2024. His bout against Lamont Roach in March 2025 ended in a draw.