Shakur Stevenson got the second defence of his WBC Lightweight World title under his belt this weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by defeating late replacement opponent Josh Padley.
Stevenson – coming back off a hand injury – was all set to face riding US prospect Floyd Schofield but the challenger pulled out ill during fight week.
Enter Padley on four days’ notice, who logged an impressive first round before giving way to the American superstar, who showcased his speed, movement and angles to take over clearly and coast at stages. The Brit was constantly firing back, though – a valiant effort given the circumstances and the calibre of fighter he was in with.
In the ninth, Shakur’s bodywork paid dividends as he managed to send Padley to the canvas three times, the third of which saw the Yorkshireman’s coach Jason Cunningham throw in the towel.
Speaking to The Stomping Ground post-fight, Padley reflected on the 27 minutes in the ring with Stevenson following a whirlwind week.
“Gutted about it. I would’ve like to have got the 12 rounds out but conditioned wasn’t quite there to the body. And, obviously, three-weight world champion, four days notice. There were times where I felt like I should’ve been able to slip his jab and I just couldn’t. No shame. I tried my hardest and I’ll be back to fight another day.
“His timing and stuff like that were on perfect point. No regrets. I tried 110% in there tonight. We’ll rebuild, regroup and come back again … There’s levels to this game, obviously I’m not quite at that level yet. No shame in that. I’m sure if I have the right fights and get the right people behind me I’m sure I can get to that level.”
Speaking specifically on the American’s power, who now has 11 stoppages from 23 wins, Padley said he has been hit harder and feels his conditioning played a big part in the stoppage.
“Obviously he was hitting me to the head and I feel like I’ve been hit harder to the head, then he banged me to the body and it took the wind fully out of me. I think it was the conditioning on the body.”
Stevenson subsequently said that he beats every fighter in the world, and paid respect to Padley for putting his undefeated record on the line for the bout. The Brit will no doubt be back, next time hopefully with the chance to fully prepare for the task at hand.
Fans will hope the WBC Champion now again pushes for a unification bout against WBA titlist Gervonta Davis, who defends his belt against Lamont Roach Jr on March 1.
