WBA Snatches Gervonta Davis’ Title — Declares Him “Champion in Recess” Amid Kidnapping Probe

The World Boxing Association has officially moved on from Gervonta Davis as its active lightweight leader, designating him as “champion in recess.”

WBA officials confirmed the shift to The Baltimore Sun, effectively pausing Davis’ four-year dominance over the 135-pound division while the organization navigates the fallout of his current legal battles.

WBA President Gilberto Jesús Mendoza’s decision ends Davis’ tenure as the primary titleholder, a position he has held in various forms since late 2019. The downgrade follows an active criminal investigation in South Florida, where Miami Gardens police are seeking Davis in connection with a domestic violence incident reported on October 27. The boxer is facing a litany of serious charges, including battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping involving a former partner.

These legal complications have already had a massive impact on Davis’ career outside of the rankings. A civil lawsuit linked to the same allegations led to the high-profile cancellation of his fight against Jake Paul, which was slated for November 14. Both Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions pulled the plug on the event as the severity of the situation became clear.

The WBA’s move also addresses long-standing complaints regarding Davis’ inactivity. With the “recess” tag now in place, the organization’s executive committee is expected to move quickly to authorize a fight for a vacant title, ensuring the lightweight division is no longer held in limbo.

While Davis remains sidelined, Mendoza stated that the boxer will be permitted to argue his case to the WBA as the investigation progresses. For the time being, the lightweight throne remains unoccupied as the legal process in Florida unfolds.