LUCAS BAHDI sunk $100,000 of his own money into his boxing career – but one punch saw the gamble all pay off.
Bahdi was an unknown outsider in July 2024 when Floyd Schofield pulled out of fighting Jake Paul’s highly-touted prospect Ashton Sylve.
So when the Canadian got the call on three weeks notice to replace Schofield – he backed his lightening quick hands to steal Sylve’s thunder.
Bahdi, 31, told SunSport: “I was going in as a B-side opponent. They didn’t expect anything from me.
“That was an event to showcase Ashton and I came in and I stole the show.
“They didn’t really know much about me at the time but they got to learn real quick.”
Bahdi sensationally came from behind to knock Sylve out and leave the 21-year-old faceplanting the canvas after a devastating left hook.
The lightweight became a star overnight and was quickly signed by Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions banner.
But what fans did not know was Bahdi had been quietly making a name for himself on small shows in Mexico and Canada.
He was just praying an opportunity would come his way – estimating he spent $100,000 (£77,000) of his own cash to fund his career.
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Bahdi said: “When I first turned pro, I was fighting like every four or five weeks.
“I fought nine fights in nine months and I funded my whole career from from my pro debut till about 11-0, 12-0.
“And if I didn’t do that, I probably wouldn’t have got that opportunity to fight Ashton.
“Because I would have had only a couple of fights or I would have been with the local promoter.
“I think everything played out in my favour. I bet on myself and I definitely pulled through.”
Bahdi’s sixth-round KO of Sylve was fitting for any Hollywood movie script – but he says that is nothing compared to what he experienced in Mexico.
One bout – during the coronavirus pandemic – saw Bahdi travel without any friends, family or coaches.
And he was staring defeat in the face when both his hands were busted and his eyes almost closed shut due to damage sustained.
Bahdi revealed: “Five weeks before, I broke my left hand. I was so frustrated with everything that I didn’t care.
It was the craziest story – they could have made a movie on that night.
Lucas Bahdi
“I said, I’m still gonna go and I’m gonna knock him out with one hand. And in the first round, I broke my good hand!
“So I was in there with two broken hands and it was the middle of the second round when I realised something is really wrong with my good hand at the time.
“Things weren’t going well for me after that point, the third round was a terrible round and I was getting touched up pretty good.
“Both my eyes were almost swollen shut and in the fourth round, I ended up catching him with counter left hook and knocked him out.
“It was the craziest story – they could have made a movie on that night.
“From before the fight, till after the fight, to going home, traveling alone with two broken hands, with almost two eyes that are swollen shut.
“There could have been a movie on that. I couldn’t even pack my bags.
‘It’s only a matter of time’
“To get out of the hotel, I literally had to get the front desk to help me. It a crazy eventful experience, to say the least.”
Bahdi is now a 135lb contender being pushed with the help of YouTuber-turned boxer Paul.
And Bahdi said: “He’s not only a boxer himself, he’s a promoter, so he’s got to put both hats on and it’s not easy to do. But he’s amazing for the sport.
“He’s amazing to be a part of his team because he’s got such a big influence and he’s he’s making waves in the boxing scene right now as you can see and I think this is only the beginning.”
Bahdi is 18-0 with 15 KOs and returns on Friday in Canada against Ryan James Racaza, 28, himself unbeaten in 15 bouts.
And he warned the champions at lightweight that it is only a matter of time until he comes hunting for their gold.
Bahdi warned: “I think in the next six to 12 months, I’ll be fighting for titles. It’s only a matter of time. I’m only a couple of fights away.
“I’m aiming for the champions, whether it’s Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, Loma or Keyshawn Davis. For me, I don’t care.
“I’m gonna be knocking on their doors very soon and if they don’t answer, I’ll be kicking them down.”
