Gervonta Davis has spent the entirety of 2026 on the sidelines, but the explosive Baltimore power-puncher is widely expected to make his highly anticipated comeback to the squared circle in early 2027. When he finally steps back under the bright lights, boxing’s youngest male world champion may well be waiting for him, setting up a fascinating landscape in an already star-studded lightweight division.
Davis has been entirely winless since June 2024, with his only professional outing since that period being a hard-fought and controversial draw against Lamont Roach Jr. back in March 2025. In the months that followed that bout, serious legal issues forced "Tank" into an extended and frustrating period of inactivity. This absence from active competition ultimately resulted in boxing authorities taking decisive action, leading to Davis being stripped of his prestigious World Boxing Association lightweight title.
Despite losing the belt due to his prolonged absence, the governing body has since designated Davis as the WBA “champion-in-recess.” This unique administrative position carries significant implications for the division, as it will permit the 31-year-old star to immediately challenge the newly crowned WBA 135-pound titleholder, Floyd Schofield, for his former championship upon his return to the sport, provided that he chooses to exercise that right.
While a collision with Schofield appears to be the most logical, straightforward, and publicly discussed target for Davis when he mounts his campaign next year, other elite fighters in the division are already positioning themselves for a piece of the Baltimore native. Among them is 22-year-old WBO lightweight champion Abdullah Mason, who recently addressed his future during an appearance on the Last Stand Podcast with Brian Custer. During the interview, the rising undefeated superstar made it clear that he would be more than willing to step into the ring and take on the undefeated powerhouse.
Discussing the prospect of a high-stakes showdown against Davis, Mason expressed a balanced yet eager attitude toward the potential matchup. For sure, it is something that he is definitely open to and definitely looking forward to, provided that Davis remains active in the sport. However, the young champion noted that he prefers to keep his immediate focus on what is directly in front of him rather than looking too far down the road.
Mason explained during his podcast appearance that if such a mega-fight comes before him, he has to be ready for it without a shadow of a doubt. At the same time, he recognizes the fluid nature of professional boxing, acknowledging that if another compelling fight presents itself first, he must remain equally prepared to take care of business. Ultimately, Mason emphasized that if Davis makes his anticipated return, regains his active status, and the paths align, he would welcome the opportunity to share the ring, adding that he feels a bout of that magnitude would be great for the sport and undeniably huge for the fans.
As Mason’s pragmatic approach insinuates, the talented Ohio southpaw is taking his career strictly one fight at a time for the present moment. Before any potential blockbuster clash with Davis can even be seriously considered, Mason has pressing business to attend to within his own championship reign. It appears increasingly likely that his first attempted defense of the WBO lightweight title will take place on the blockbuster Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua undercard in December, where he has been heavily touted by insiders for an explosive clash against former world champion Joe Cordina.
As the boxing world looks ahead to the closing months of the year and the looming events of 2027, the lightweight division stands at a captivating crossroads. With veteran stars working their way back from extended layoffs, newly crowned titleholders eager to cement their legacies, and exceptionally talented young champions like Mason rising rapidly through the ranks, the stage is set for a dramatic and unforgettable chapter in the lower weight classes once Gervonta Davis officially makes his long-awaited return.
