Shakur Stevenson Retains WBC Lightweight Title in Controversial Victory Over Late Replacement

Stevenson defeated British electrician Josh Padley via ninth-round TKO, but fans and rivals criticized his performance and raised concerns about his hand injuries.

Shakur Stevenson defended his WBC lightweight title with a ninth-round TKO against Josh Padley, a last-minute replacement who had only four days to prepare.
Padley, a part-time electrician with a 15-1 record, earned praise for his resilience, but his corner threw in the towel after three knockdowns in the ninth round.
Critics, including rival Gervonta Davis, questioned Stevenson's inability to secure an earlier knockout against a less experienced opponent, fueling tensions between the fighters.
Concerns about Stevenson's recurring hand injuries resurfaced, with fans and analysts speculating that they could impact his career longevity.
With Floyd Schofield Jr. withdrawing due to illness and allegations of foul play later retracted, Stevenson's next opponent remains uncertain, though potential matchups include Gervonta Davis, William Zepeda, or Joe Cordina.