Gervonta Davis Has World Title Downgraded To 'Champion In Recess' After Arrest Warrant Issued

The World Boxing Association has officially moved on from Gervonta Davis—at least for now. WBA officials confirmed to The Baltimore Sun that Davis’ status at lightweight has been downgraded to “champion in recess,” a designation that effectively pauses his reign while the sanctioning body evaluates the situation surrounding his ongoing legal issues. WBA president Gilberto Jesús Mendoza confirmed the decision, which ends Davis’ more than four-year run as the organization’s primary 135-pound titleholder. Davis first held the WBA “regular” lightweight belt beginning in late 2019 before being elevated to full champion status in early 2024. With the downgrade in place, the WBA’s executive committee is expected to decide soon whether to authorize a vacant lightweight title fight to keep the division moving. The title change comes as Davis remains the subject of an active criminal investigation in South Florida. Miami Gardens police are seeking the boxer in connection with an alleged domestic violence incident that reportedly occurred on October 27 at a Miami-area gentlemen’s club. Authorities have said Davis faces charges that include battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping, tied to allegations involving a former romantic partner at her workplace. Those allegations also triggered a civil lawsuit, which played a role in derailing Davis’ scheduled crossover bout with Jake Paul last fall. The fight was set for November 14 at Miami’s Kaseya Center, but Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions pulled the event before it could take place.