Josh Padley: The Unexpected Opponent for Shakur Stevenson’s Title Defense

In a surprising turn of events, British lightweight Josh Padley has agreed to face WBC champion Shakur Stevenson on just three days’ notice in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This comes after Floyd Schofield was forced to withdraw due to illness, leaving organizers scrambling to find a suitable replacement.

Who is Josh Padley?

Padley is a 29-year-old undefeated boxer from Doncaster, England. He turned professional in 2019 and has since compiled a record of 15 wins with 4 knockouts. His most notable victory came last September when he upset Mark Chamberlain on the undercard of a major heavyweight bout at Wembley Stadium.

Padley’s Boxing Background

Though relatively unknown on the international stage, Padley has been steadily building his career in the UK. Prior to the Chamberlain fight, he had scored three consecutive knockout victories. His willingness to step in against a world-class opponent like Stevenson on such short notice has earned him praise from boxing fans and insiders alike.

The Challenge Ahead

Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) is considered one of boxing’s elite talents. Ranked 9th in ESPN’s pound-for-pound rankings and 3rd at lightweight, the American champion presents a monumental challenge for Padley. While an upset victory would be historic, Padley enters the bout as a massive underdog against the skillful Stevenson.

Despite the long odds, Padley’s courage in accepting this fight has already made him the story of the event. Boxing fans around the world will be eager to see how he fares against one of the sport’s brightest stars when they meet in the ring on Saturday night in Riyadh.