Gervonta Davis Gets Shot at Reclaiming WBA Title as Oscar De La Hoya Calls for Fight

Gervonta Davis has a chance to reclaim the world title he lost earlier this year, and Oscar De La Hoya wants to put him in the ring with the man who now holds it.

After Floyd Schofield’s unanimous-decision win over Lucas Bahdi on Saturday, October 10, De La Hoya issued an open invitation for Davis to challenge the newly crowned WBA lightweight champion. The proposed showdown would give Davis a direct route back to the 135-pound championship, with reports pointing to a possible comeback in early 2027.

Schofield claimed the vacant title at Chicago's Wintrust Arena, defeating Bahdi by scores of 116-110, 119-108, and 115-111. The victory put the championship Davis had held around Schofield's waist, setting up a potential fight between the two.

De La Hoya, who promotes Schofield, wasted little time making his intentions known.

"This is boxing, the best have to fight the best," he told Fight Hub TV. "If Tank comes back, let's make Tank Davis. Why not? I was a fighter, man. Let's go, let's make the best fights happen!"

History already backs the proposed matchup.

In May, the World Boxing Association ordered Davis to defend his lightweight title against Schofield, giving both camps until June 22 to negotiate. The fight never happened, and Davis ultimately lost his status as the organization's active champion.

The WBA instead designated Davis "champion in recess," leaving him eligible to pursue the championship upon his return.

Davis hasn't stepped into the ring since his controversial majority draw against Lamont Roach Jr. in March 2025. That bout sparked criticism after Davis took a knee in the ninth round without the referee ruling it a knockdown.

His time away from boxing has also brought legal trouble.

Former girlfriend Courtney Rossel filed a civil lawsuit accusing Davis of battery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress following an alleged October 2025 altercation at her Miami Gardens workplace.

Surveillance footage later presented in court appeared to show Davis grabbing Rossel by the hair and neck and forcing her through several areas of the building. Davis has disputed the allegations and filed a counterclaim seeking more than $20 million, arguing that the accusations cost him significant earnings and opportunities. A judge dismissed the counterclaim in May.

The fallout included the cancellation of his planned Netflix fight against Jake Paul, while his inactivity further complicated his championship standing.

More recently, Davis has been linked to potential comeback bouts against George Kambosos Jr. and Stephen Fulton. Neither fight has been confirmed.

If Davis passes on Schofield, former WBA super lightweight champion Jose Valenzuela could move into position as the next mandatory challenger.

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