The undefeated Canadian fighter notified the IBF before the sanctioning body’s 72-hour negotiation deadline, formally rejecting his elimination bout with Albert Bell. The decision removes Bahdi from the immediate IBF title track. His attention now turns to another path that could lead to a vacant WBA title fight in the coming months.
Bahdi turns his back on the IBF eliminator and pursues an alternate path to the title
Bahdi, who has set a record of 20 wins and 15 stoppages, has gained momentum over the past year, placing himself among the division’s emerging contenders. His recent activity has strengthened his standing with sanctioning bodies, and his team seems confident that a shot at the WBA title represents a faster and more valuable route than entering the qualifiers, where he would still be waiting for a title shot.
The IBF will now continue the elimination process without Bahdi. Argentine Alan Abel Chavez is among the next available challengers, while Bell remains in position to face another opponent in order to gain mandatory challenger status. Bahdi’s departure simplifies the IBF’s immediate plans and changes its own trajectory towards a different governing body.
Attention now turns to the WBA title picture, which has remained uncertain since Gervonta Davis was named champion during a hiatus due to legal issues and inactivity. This nomination left the belt without an energetic champion, opening the door for top contenders to continue fighting for the vacant title. Floyd Schofield, a highly-rated lightweight contender, is among the fighters linked with the opportunity as discussions about a potential title fight continue.
Bahdi last fought in August, when he knocked down Roger Gutierrez and secured a unanimous decision victory in a WBA eliminator, which raised his standing in the organization. This performance helped him to the top of the WBA rankings and strengthened his qualifications for a title fight.
Rejecting an eliminator is always a risk because it removes a guaranteed path to mandatory status. Bahdi’s team is betting that his current position and momentum will lead directly to a title shot, without waiting for another approval process.