Stevenson's original opponent, 22-year-old Floyd Schofield, pulled out of the fight due to illness. Stevenson didn't take the news well, criticizing Schofield's withdrawal. Padley, 29, stepped in on short notice for the life-changing opportunity to challenge for the WBC title.
Despite the last-minute change, Padley gave a great account of himself. Stevenson took nine rounds to break down and stop his determined opponent.
After the fight, Davis took to social media with his brief comment. He simply tweeted "Lol" in response to Stevenson's performance.
Davis, known as 'Tank', will defend his WBA lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jr on March 1, 2025, at the Barclays Center in New York City. The 30-year-old boasts an impressive 30-0 record and has said he'll focus on the biggest fights available before potentially retiring at the end of 2025. It's unclear if he'll stick to that plan.
Stevenson and Davis have been on a collision course for years. Both fighters have reportedly shown interest in a showdown, which could be one of the biggest fights in the sport. They're considered two of the best lightweights on the planet, and fans are eager to see them face off in the ring.