Canadian contender exits IBF route before negotiation deadline
Lucas Bahdi has declined an IBF lightweight title eliminator against Albert Bell, stepping away from the federation’s mandatory track before the 72-hour negotiation deadline expired. The unbeaten Canadian now turns toward a potential vacant WBA title opportunity instead.
Bahdi turns away from IBF eliminator to pursue alternate title path
Bahdi, who has built a record of 20 wins with 15 stoppages, has gained momentum over the past year while positioning himself among the division’s rising contenders. His recent activity has strengthened his standing with sanctioning bodies, and his team appears confident that a WBA title opportunity represents a faster and more valuable path than entering an eliminator that would still leave him waiting for a championship fight.
The IBF will now proceed with its eliminator process without Bahdi. Argentina’s Alan Abel Chavez is among the next available contenders, while Bell remains in position to face another opponent for mandatory challenger status. Bahdi’s exit simplifies the IBF’s immediate plans and reshapes his own trajectory toward a different governing body.
Attention now turns to the WBA’s title picture, which has remained unsettled since Gervonta Davis was designated champion in recess following legal issues and inactivity. That designation left the belt without an active champion, opening the door for top-ranked contenders to pursue a fight for the vacant title. Floyd Schofield, a highly rated lightweight contender, is among the fighters connected to that opportunity as discussions around a potential title bout continue.
Bahdi last fought in August, when he dropped Roger Gutierrez and secured a unanimous decision victory in a WBA eliminator that elevated his standing within that organization. That performance helped place him near the top of the WBA rankings and reinforced his eligibility for a title opportunity.
Declining an eliminator always carries risk, because it removes the guaranteed route to mandatory status. Bahdi’s team is betting that his current position and momentum will lead directly to a title fight without waiting behind another sanctioning body process.
Ken Woods has been a senior writer at Boxing News 24 since 2013, covering the sport from every angle. With years of ringside reporting, he delivers fight news, results, and analysis that cut through the noise. Ken’s work consistently spotlights champions, contenders, and rising prospects, giving fans a sharp, knowledgeable view of the global boxing scene.Â
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Boxing News 24 » News » Lucas Bahdi declines IBF eliminator to pursue WBA title route
Last Updated on 02/16/2026