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WBC 135-pound champion Shakur Stevenson had to fight a last-minute replacement on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Josh Padley replaced Floyd Schofield, who was unable to fight due to illness.
As expected, Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) continued his winning ways as he dropped Padley (15-1, 4 KOs) three times in Round 9. Padley’s corner threw in the towel, and Stevenson would get the TKO victory.
Earlier this week, Padley was working as an electrician on a construction site, but to his credit, he fought bravely and hard in a fight against a world-class fighter on three days’ notice.
The 27-year-old Stevenson, who had surgery to repair his injured right hand last September, appeared to injure his hand on Saturday, but he did what he had to do and what he was supposed to do, and he feels he can do the same to the top fighters in the sport.
“I just did what I was supposed to do with the person that was in front of me,” Stevenson said. “Honestly, you up the level and get the top guys to get in the ring with me; I’ll make them look like that, too.”
Stevenson made it clear who he wants next, and that is WBA 135-pound champion Gervonta Davis.
“I think that’s the biggest fight in boxing,” Stevenson said. “Me and him can make the most money if we make this fight happen, so let’s do it.”
It would be great for fight fans if Stevenson fought Davis next. These are two of the best lightweights in boxing and two of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the sport. Hopefully, it’s a fight we can see next, but Stevenson must ensure he’s healthy to be at his best.
Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing