Options Open up For Floyd Schofield After World Title Win

Floyd ‘Kid Austin’ Schofield (20-0, 13 KOs) can look ahead to potential unification fights after capturing the vacant WBA lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Lucas Bahdi (20-1, 15 KOs) on Saturday, October 10.

The 24-year-old American defeated Bahdi at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, winning by scores of 116-110, 119-108 and 115-111 to claim his first world championship. Schofield dropped the previously unbeaten Canadian in the third round and controlled much of the contest with his speed and movement, although Bahdi troubled him with several heavy punches and was credited with a knockdown in the 11th.

“I didn’t expect him to have as much power as he did,” Schofield said afterward. “I had to listen to my dad [Floyd Sr., also his coach] and buckle up.”

Schofield’s victory leaves him holding one of the four major lightweight world titles, with potential unification opportunities against two fellow unbeaten champions.

WBO lightweight champion Abdullah Mason wasted little time calling for a unification fight, urging his manager James Prince to arrange the bout.

Mason is not the only possibility, though, as WBC champion William Zepeda, who is also promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, could be an option.

Zepeda must first navigate a mandatory title defense against Jadier Herrera. The WBC has ordered the fight and imposed a deadline of Tuesday, October 20, for the fighters to finalize an agreement. Promoters are targeting the first quarter of 2027.