Is Floyd Schofield Ready For Shakur?

Floyd Schofield faces a tough test when he takes on Shakur Stevenson on February 22.
That is according to Oscar De La Hoya. Schofield is 22 and enters the fight with an undefeated 18-0 record. It is his first world title shot after having come through his last fight against Rene Tellez Giron. He got off the canvas to win a unanimous decision. That showed a lot of heart but also some flaws as he almost threw away the victory. But the opportunity for a world title has presented itself. Shakur, who is the WBC Lightweight Champion, has seen his last two planned fights fall through. He was scheduled to face Joe Cordina.
But Shakur pulled out after suffering a hand injury in sparring. That setback was massive as it would have been his first fight with Matchroom Boxing. He was then on course to box his WBC mandatory, William Zepeda. That fight fell through after Zepeda withdrew after suffering a hand injury. This may be the best time to catch Shakur since he is coming back from numerous setbacks. That could stand Schofield in good stead. But Oscar also recognized that it would not be easy.
De La Hoya Reacts
“I was the first one to say, ‘We have to wait. We have a plan for you, we have a strategy for you,’ but the father was very adamant. The father, in particular, was the one that wanted this fight. Kid Austin is a throwback fighter. He’s actually my favorite fighter today when it comes to fighting the very best, fighting anybody, getting to the top, and making history. That’s his mentality. I love that. But for my taste, it was a little too ambitious, but they know exactly what they’re doing,” De La Hoya said
A win for Schofield will set up a huge opportunity. He could face a big name in-house since Zepeda is with Golden Boy Promotions. It also opens the doors for a unification. Gervonta Davis would likely be interested in that. Tank has shown a reluctance to box Shakur. But facing Schofield could be justified since he would have a belt. It also fits Davis’ style of facing the right fighter at the right time without taking too much risk.
Is He Ready?
But if Schofield is overwhelmed, it could set him back for some time. At 22, there is no need to rush him into the big fights. This is by far his toughest test. While he does have 12 knockouts to his name, Shakur is one of the best defensive boxers on the circuit. But every fighter has their time. Oscar was ready to see what his fighter was made of.
“The father [Schofield Sr] knows his son. We know his abilities inside the ring. Is it too early? Maybe. Is it the right time? Who knows. Only Kid Austin knows inside the ring that night. I think it’s going to be a hell of a fight. I think it’s going to be a very, very entertaining fight,” De La Hoya added
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