Floyd Schofield and Lucas Bahdi have another week to reach a deal for their vacant WBA lightweight title fight after both camps requested more time to negotiate.
The WBA postponed Tuesday’s purse bid in Houston and extended the negotiation period through August 18. If the two sides complete a deal before then, they can avoid having the promotional rights determined at auction.
“The purse bid for the vacant WBA Lightweight World Championship bout between Floyd Schofield and Lucas Bahdi, which was scheduled to take place this Tuesday, August 11, has been postponed at the request of both parties, who asked for additional time as they continue working toward an agreement,” the WBA stated Monday.
For Schofield, 23, this is a valuable opening in a lightweight division filled with difficult fights. He can become a world champion without having to go through WBC champion William Zepeda, WBO champion Abdullah Mason, or IBF champion Raymond Muratalla. At this stage of his career, getting a direct title opportunity without first eliminating another top contender is about as favorable a position as Schofield could want.
Bahdi has his own opportunity. The Canadian made his biggest impression by knocking out Ashton Sylve in the fifth round in July 2024. He now has the chance to turn that victory into something considerably bigger.
The fact that both camps requested the extension is encouraging for the fight getting made. They have until August 18 to complete an agreement before the purse-bid process resumes.