Schofield Must Prove The Hype Is Real Versus Bahdi
Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield Jr. will have the biggest career opportunity when facing Lucas “Prince” Bahdi for the vacant WBA lightweight championship on October 10. The matchup, which pits two undefeated lightweights against each other, represents far more than a chance for Schofield to win a world title. It is a chance to prove that the considerable hype surrounding him is finally justified.
ALL BARK AND NO BITE?
Schofield’s (19-0, 13 KOs) career has been accompanied by plenty of talk, much of it coming from himself and father, Floyd Schofield Sr. Now, the younger Schofield must back up that talk when he shares the ring with a dangerous opponent who can punch.
Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs) has already demonstrated that he possesses legitimate power. His sixth-round knockout over previously unbeaten Ashton Sylve in July 2024. Prince became a serious threat after beating several undefeated fighters and one-time WBA junior lightweight world champion Roger Gutierrez.
PLENTY OF SKEPTICISM
This isn’t the first time Kid Austin has been presented with an opportunity to silence the doubters. In February 2025, he was scheduled to challenge then-WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson. However, he withdrew after being hospitalized with an illness, forcing Stevenson to face late replacement Josh Padley.
The British Boxing Board of Control verified his illness was legitimate. However, the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal generated plenty of skepticism and criticism across social media. Stevenson himself questioned the withdrawal, and the episode left Schofield with something to prove in the eyes of many boxing fans. Now, there can be no excuses.
IT’S ALL ON THE LINE
A victory over the Prince would give him the WBA championship and, more importantly, provide the signature victory his résumé desperately needs. It will elevate his standing among the lightweight elite and give him the credibility to talk about future mega-fights.
But a loss could be devastating. Schofield’s unbeaten record, confidence and reputation will take a significant hit, particularly given the circumstances surrounding the Stevenson fight.
On October 10, Schofield gets his chance to turn all the talk into reality.
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