Shakur Stevenson defended his WBC Lightweight World title against Josh Padley in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The champion won by knockout in the 9th round.
Stevenson got a new opponent on short notice. Floyd Schofield, who was supposed to fight, pulled out because he got sick during fight week. Padley stepped in with only four days to prepare.
Padley started strong in the first round. But from the second round on, Stevenson took control. He used his speed and movement to dominate the fight.
In the 9th round, Stevenson's body shots paid off. He knocked Padley down three times. After the third knockdown, Padley's coach Jason Cunningham threw in the towel to stop the fight.
After the bout, Padley talked to The Stomping Ground about his performance:
"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."
Padley praised Stevenson's skills and timing. He also talked about the champion's power:
"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, who now has 23 wins with 11 by stoppage, came back from a hand injury for this fight. He showed good sportsmanship by respecting Padley for risking his undefeated record.
Boxing fans want to see Stevenson fight other champions in the lightweight division. Many hope for a unification bout with WBA champion Gervonta Davis, who will face Lamont Roach Jr on March 1.
Padley, who's from Yorkshire, England, put up a brave fight given the circumstances. He'll likely return to the ring with better preparation next time.
