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Floyd Schofield Captures First World Title with Unanimous Decision Over Lucas Bahdi

Hannah
Boxing divisional rankings

CHICAGO — Floyd Schofield is now a world champion.

The 22-year-old lightweight defeated Lucas Bahdi by unanimous decision Saturday night to claim the vacant WBA lightweight title, marking the first world championship of his career. The judges scored the bout 116-110, 119-108 and 115-111 in Schofield’s favor.

Schofield (18-0, 12 KOs) relied on his footwork and constant stance switching to keep Bahdi off balance throughout the contest. His movement paid dividends in the third round when he dropped Bahdi with a check left hook, seemingly taking control of the fight.

Bahdi (18-1, 15 KOs) showed resilience, recovering to land a significant left hook late in the fourth and finding success in the sixth and seventh rounds. The Canadian fighter appeared to turn the tide in the 11th, sending Schofield to the canvas with a right hand. However, Schofield weathered the storm and did enough down the stretch to secure the victory.

With the win, Schofield reenters ESPN’s 135-pound rankings at No. 8. He had been removed from the rankings in June due to inactivity.

Mendoza Stuns Sandoval for Flyweight Title

In the co-main event, Sergio Mendoza pulled off a major upset, stopping Ricardo Sandoval in the fifth round to capture the WBA and WBC flyweight championships.

Mendoza (25-1, 23 KOs), who stepped in as a late replacement for Oscar Collazo, proved too powerful and too large for Sandoval (22-3, 16 KOs), who was returning from a 14-month layoff.

The end came swiftly and decisively. Mendoza dropped Sandoval twice in the second round — first with a right hook to the top of the head, then with a left uppercut against the ropes just before the bell. A third knockdown followed in the fifth, a well-placed short right hand to the chin that left Sandoval backed against the ropes. Referee Mark Nelson stepped in to halt the action with just over a minute remaining in the round.

Mendoza enters the 112-pound division at No. 3. Sandoval, who previously held the top spot before inactivity forced his removal in July, does not re-enter the rankings following the loss.

Iglesias Defends Super Middleweight Title

Osleys Iglesias retained his IBF super middleweight championship Thursday in Quebec City, Canada, stopping Oliver Zaren in the seventh round.

Iglesias (14-0, 13 KOs) started aggressively and used his power to dictate the pace. He opened a cut over Zaren’s left eye in the sixth round before dropping him moments later with a left hand to the top of the head. The assault continued in the seventh, prompting Zaren’s corner to throw in the towel at 1 minute, 31 seconds.

Iglesias remains at No. 7 in ESPN’s 168-pound rankings.

Khataev Scores First-Round KO

On the same Quebec City card, Imam Khataev maintained his No. 3 ranking in the light heavyweight division with a first-round knockout of Pedraig McCrory.

About the Rankings

ESPN’s divisional boxing rankings are updated based on recent results and performances. Fighters who announce a move to a different weight class will be ranked in that new division only once they compete there. Fighters holding titles in two divisions can be ranked in both.

Fighters who have not competed in the past 12 months and have no scheduled bout will be dropped from the rankings until they fight again. Any fighter who tests positive for a performance-enhancing substance will also be removed and will be eligible to reenter after their next bout.

Champions List

Heavyweight (Unlimited)

Cruiserweight (200 lbs.)

Light heavyweight (175 lbs.)

Super middleweight (168 lbs.)

Middleweight (160 lbs.)

Junior middleweight (154 lbs.)

Welterweight (147 lbs.)

Junior welterweight (140 lbs.)

Lightweight (135 lbs.)

Junior lightweight (130 lbs.)

Featherweight (126 lbs.)

Junior featherweight (122 lbs.)

Bantamweight (118 lbs.)

Junior bantamweight (115 lbs.)

Flyweight (112 lbs.)

Junior flyweight (108 lbs.)

Strawweight (105 lbs.)

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