Gervonta Davis could have a major opportunity waiting for him when he returns to the boxing ring in 2027, with promoter Oscar De La Hoya expressing interest in a potential showdown between the former WBA lightweight champion and newly crowned titleholder Floyd Schofield.
Davis, widely known as “Tank,” was stripped of his WBA lightweight world title earlier in 2026 and designated the organization’s champion-in-recess. That status could give the Baltimore-born knockout artist a route back to the championship if he decides to pursue the belt following his expected comeback.
Floyd Schofield Wins Vacant WBA Lightweight Title
Floyd Schofield secured the vacant WBA lightweight championship after defeating Lucas Bahdi by unanimous decision on Saturday night at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
The judges scored the contest 116-110, 119-108 and 115-111 in Schofield’s favor, allowing the American lightweight to claim the title and strengthen his position in the division.
Following the victory, attention quickly turned toward a potential fight with Gervonta Davis. Schofield’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, made it clear that he would welcome the opportunity to arrange a matchup between the two American fighters.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, De La Hoya emphasized the importance of making the best fights possible and indicated that he would be willing to negotiate if Davis wanted to challenge for his former championship.
Oscar De La Hoya Welcomes a Gervonta Davis Fight
De La Hoya believes a fight between Davis and Schofield would be an appealing matchup for boxing fans. The Golden Boy Promotions founder expressed enthusiasm about bringing the two fighters together if Davis confirms his interest.
The proposed contest would offer Davis an opportunity to reclaim the WBA lightweight title he previously held. For Schofield, a victory over an established name such as Tank Davis would represent a significant milestone in his professional career.
However, the fight remains a possibility rather than an officially confirmed event. Davis must decide whether he wants to pursue the WBA championship route or explore other opponents for his return.
Why Gervonta Davis Could Become the Mandatory Challenger
Davis’s champion-in-recess designation is an important factor in the developing situation. It provides a potential pathway for him to challenge for the full WBA lightweight title when he returns, depending on the organization’s rules and the necessary arrangements.
Schofield won the championship while it was vacant, meaning he will not be permitted to make a voluntary title defense under the circumstances described in the report. Davis could therefore become a leading option for the next championship matchup if he accepts the opportunity and the WBA approves the required process.
If Davis chooses another opponent instead, former WBA super-lightweight world champion Jose “El Rayo” Valenzuela could move into contention. Valenzuela is reportedly next in line in the WBA lightweight rankings and could be positioned to challenge Schofield if Davis declines.
George Kambosos and Stephen Fulton Also Linked to Davis
Although a fight against Schofield would offer a direct route toward reclaiming the WBA lightweight championship, Davis may have other plans for his comeback.
Recent reports have linked the former champion with possible fights against George Kambosos and Stephen Fulton. Either option could influence his decision about whether to pursue Schofield and the vacant-title situation that has developed around the lightweight division.
Davis is expected to return in early 2027, but his opponent and the date of his next fight have not been officially confirmed in the report.
His decision could shape the WBA lightweight title picture, particularly if Schofield is required to face a mandatory challenger rather than select an opponent for a voluntary defense.
What Happens Next for Gervonta Davis?
The next step rests largely with Davis and his team. Accepting the potential opportunity against Schofield could put him on a path toward regaining the WBA lightweight title, while choosing another opponent might leave Valenzuela in position to pursue the championship.
For Schofield, the challenge is to establish himself as a legitimate champion by taking on elite opposition. A fight with Davis would provide exactly that kind of test, although negotiations and approval from the relevant boxing authorities would still be necessary.
For now, boxing fans will have to wait for an official announcement. With Davis targeting a potential 2027 comeback and De La Hoya publicly welcoming the matchup, a Gervonta Davis vs. Floyd Schofield title fight is an intriguing possibility for the lightweight division.
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