Shakur Stevenson retained his title against late-replacement opponent Josh Padley at The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 22. The native of Newark, NJ claimed the win by TKO, sending the British challenger to the canvas three times along the way.
Stevenson seemed in control throughout the fight, picking Padley apart. To his credit, Padley fought back, trying to land punches of his own. The 27-year-old, based in Houston, TX, floored his opponent for the final time with a right hand to the body, forcing Padley’s corner to throw in the towel in the last seconds of the ninth round.
With the victory, Shakur Stevenson made the second successful defense of his WBC lightweight title. The three-division world champion improved to 23-0, 11 KOs, and remained undefeated.
For Stevenson, the late change in opponent posed a potential risk—preparing for one fighter and facing another always introduces the challenge of adaptation. However, Stevenson’s adaptability and ring IQ quickly became evident as he adjusted seamlessly to the new threat in front of him.
The Fight:
From the opening bell, Shakur Stevenson took control of the fight. Using his speed, precision, and footwork, Stevenson immediately established dominance, dictating the pace and keeping Padley at a distance. Padley tried to engage, but he found himself consistently outclassed by Stevenson’s sharp combinations and movement.
In the second round, Stevenson’s power came into full display as he dropped Padley for the first time with a crisp, straight left hand that sent Padley crashing to the canvas. Padley managed to get back to his feet, but Stevenson sensed blood and continued to press forward.
The Knockdowns:
The second knockdown came in the following round, when Stevenson landed a lightning-quick combination that once again floored Padley. The challenger, clearly dazed, struggled to keep up with Stevenson’s speed and accuracy. Stevenson’s punches were landing with devastating precision, and Padley’s efforts to survive seemed increasingly futile.
The final knockdown came in the fourth round. Stevenson’s relentless pressure overwhelmed Padley, who couldn’t withstand the barrage of punches any longer. Another clean shot sent Padley down for the third and final time, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight. The TKO victory was declared, and Stevenson retained his title in commanding fashion.
Stevenson’s Dominance:
The fight was a display of Shakur Stevenson’s undeniable talent and ability to adapt, even with a last-minute opponent change. His quickness, power, and ring generalship left no doubt that he remains one of the most skilled fighters in the division. Stevenson’s ability to methodically break down his opponents with both technical brilliance and power continues to impress fans and analysts alike.
What’s Next for Shakur Stevenson?
With this successful title defense, Shakur Stevenson remains undefeated and continues his march towards greatness. Fans are eager to see what’s next for the champion, with potential matchups against other top contenders or even unifications on the horizon. After dispatching Padley with such ease, Stevenson’s focus will likely turn back to Floyd Schofield, or other names in the division that could offer a tougher challenge.
Josh Padley’s Future:
For Josh Padley, stepping in on short notice against a fighter of Stevenson’s caliber was always going to be an uphill battle. Despite the loss, Padley’s bravery and willingness to fight at the highest level have earned him respect. Moving forward, Padley will have the opportunity to regroup, take on more fights, and build back from this experience.
The Legacy of the Fight:
Shakur Stevenson’s performance reaffirmed his place as one of boxing’s brightest stars. The way he handled the late-replacement opponent with such precision and power will only add to his growing legacy. As the boxing world waits for his next move, Stevenson’s ability to adapt, dominate, and finish his opponents continues to make him one of the most dangerous fighters in his division.
For fans, this fight was another example of why Stevenson is must-watch TV—a perfect combination of speed, skill, and finishing power. Whether it’s a last-minute opponent or a top contender, Stevenson continues to rise to the occasion and show why he is the champion.
