Floyd Schofield believes Lucas Bahdi is counting on one big punch to beat him this Saturday in Chicago, questioning whether the Canadian has the skills to win their vacant lightweight title fight any other way.
Schofield sees Bahdi’s knockout of Ashton Sylve as the approach he will try again: absorb punches, remain patient, and wait for Schofield to jump into something.
“I just think that they’re hoping I just jump in and he gets the same moment he had with Ashton,” Schofield said to Chris Mannix ahead of Saturday’s fight. “I would find it hard to believe that he thinks he’s a more skillful fighter than me or a better fighter than me. If so, then he’s crazy.”
Schofield described Bahdi’s patience and power as his best attributes, pointing out that Sylve hit him clean for six rounds without discouraging him. That is also the reason Schofield cannot afford to become careless if he builds an early lead.
Bahdi does not need to win every exchange to remain dangerous. Schofield could be landing the cleaner punches and controlling the fight, then give away everything by rushing forward with his head exposed. The temptation to force a stoppage could become Bahdi’s best opportunity.
Schofield also questioned Bahdi’s footwork and defense, saying he gets hit frequently and trips over his feet. Although Bahdi has changed trainers, Schofield doubts those habits can be corrected quickly at 31.
His father, Floyd Schofield Sr., believes his son has improved his distance control during camp and is picking his punches more carefully rather than jumping in.
That would be a useful change against Bahdi, but it has to last beyond the opening rounds. Schofield’s speed can help him score without staying in punching range. If he gets drawn into proving he can hurt Bahdi with every attack, he would be taking the very risk he believes the Canadian needs him to take.
