Stevenson's original opponent, Floyd Schofield, a 22-year-old highly-rated American prospect, had to withdraw due to illness during fight week. Padley, a 29-year-old British fighter, stepped in on short notice and gave a great account of himself.
WBO super lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez shared his thoughts on Stevenson's performance. He said:
"Well Shakur, listen, the guy's been out for how long, like what almost a year or so? Hand injuries and stuff, but nevertheless listen it's boxing."
Lopez pointed out that Stevenson, who's 27 and from Newark, New Jersey, had been inactive for almost a year due to hand injuries. He suggested that this layoff might have affected Stevenson's performance.
Lopez also called for a fight between Stevenson and Gervonta 'Tank' Davis:
"We should see those two guys [Shakur and Tank] face off already. I mean unify at 135 and see the best man win."
Davis, 30, from Baltimore, Maryland, is set to defend his WBA lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jr on March 1 at the Barclays Center in New York City. Many fans and pundits have expressed interest in a lightweight unification bout between Davis and Stevenson.
Davis didn't seem impressed with Stevenson's recent fight. His reaction adds to the growing buzz around a potential matchup between the two champions.
Padley, who took the fight on just a few days' notice, hoped his performance against Stevenson would allow him to quit his day job and focus on boxing full-time. Despite the loss, his courageous effort against a top-tier opponent like Stevenson might open up new opportunities for him in the sport.