Gervonta Davis stripped to 'champion in recess' by WBA

Gervonta Davis has been stripped of his WBA lightweight title and designated "champion in recess" while his legal troubles play out, the sanctioning body announced Friday.

The move clears Floyd Schofield and Lucas Bahdi — ranked first and second at 135 pounds — to fight for the vacant belt, per MMA Mania. Davis gets first shot at the winner if his legal situation resolves in time.

WBA cites legal uncertainty in stripping Davis

"The Championships Committee of the pioneering organization reviewed Davis' legal situation and reached its decision after determining that the ongoing proceedings could prevent him from fulfilling his championship obligations in the short and medium term," the WBA said in its statement.

Davis was arrested in Miami earlier this year, adding another chapter to a legal history that has already included multiple run-ins with law enforcement. The 31-year-old has not fought since his last defense.

The lightweight chaos comes the same week Oleksandr Usyk vacated all three of his heavyweight titles. Schofield and Bahdi do not yet have a fight date scheduled.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis named ‘champion in recess’ as boxing’s belt drama continues