Shakur Stevenson's WBC lightweight title defense took an unexpected turn this weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The champion's original opponent, Floyd Schofield, pulled out of the fight due to illness, leaving the event in jeopardy.
On Tuesday, the British Boxing Board of Control made the decision to remove Schofield from the bout after he fell ill. This sudden change forced organizers to scramble for a replacement on short notice.
Undefeated British fighter Josh Padley stepped up to the challenge. Padley, who recently impressed with a victory over Mark Chamberlain in September, will now face Stevenson for the WBC lightweight title.
Stevenson shared his thoughts on the situation in an interview with The Ring. The champion didn't hold back his opinions on Schofield's withdrawal.
"I already predicted he wasn't going to fight me. When I seen that kid on fight week he was like a lost little kid. He don't know no better."
Stevenson went on to criticize Schofield's preparation and management:
"He's not got any real guidance. His dad tries to guide him but he ain't got no real guidance. Honestly I thought there was no way that anybody would put that little kid in eight ounce gloves in the ring with me. I didn't see that happening."
Despite his harsh words for Schofield, Stevenson showed respect for Padley's willingness to take the fight on short notice:
"Josh Padley has stepped in so you have to respect the guy that has stepped in with this short amount of time. Hopefully he comes in and does his best but I'm in the zone so there ain't no taking me out of it."
Stevenson enters the fight as a heavy favorite against Padley. If he wins, he might face Gervonta Davis in a unification clash later this year.
The champion's confidence remains high despite the last-minute opponent change. Stevenson seems ready to defend his title and move forward with his career plans.
