Shakur KOs Padley To Retain WBC Title, But Hand Issues Return

Shakur Stevenson knocked out Josh Padely after dropping him three times in the ninth round to remain the WBC Lightweight Champion. 

Padley was a late replacement after Floyd Schofield withdrew with an illness. The fight could have presented an obstacle for Shakur as he may have overlooked him. There has been mass talk over a possible fight with Gervonta Davis, while it was also Shakur’s debut with Matchroom Boxing. But from the outset, it was clear that Shakur was the more skilled fighter. Padley was gunshy in the first round, as Shakur’s jab found its target. Stevenson loaded up with combinations in the second, landing a left-right combination. But during the middle rounds, Shakur appeared to hurt his left hand. He had only just come back from surgery on his hand.

But he overcame that discomfort to finally get his man out of the ring. He sent Padley to the canvas three times with three body shots in the ninth. Padley’s corner threw in the towel to give Shakur the win. But the performance received a mixed reaction. Shakur once again raised worries over his hand issues.

Meanwhile there were suggestions that he had taken too long to stop an electrician. There is an argument that Tank Davis would be able to walk him down since he would not respect Shakur’s power. And yet, Stevenson made it clear his focus was Tank Davis. The ball is now in Gervonta’s court if he wants to make the fight after his recent revelation that he will retire this year.

Reaction

“It feels good. I put on a good performance, and there are levels. It was difficult because of the movement, and he had good little counters and shots that he was throwing. But like I said, there’s levels to this. I appreciate him for stepping up, being courageous, and fighting me. [And] I want to fight Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis. I think that’s the biggest fight in boxing. So, let’s make it happen,” Stevenson said 

“We know Josh Padley is extremely tough, and getting an opponent changed three days before the fight, but appreciate Tank was watching. If he wants to step up and have the biggest fight in the sport, we’re ready,” Eddie Hearn 

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Full Card

Dmitry Bivol defeated Artur Beterbiev by majority decision (12 rounds) to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion (WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, Ring Magazine).

Joseph Parker knocked out Martin Bakole in round 2 (12-round fight) to keep his WBO interim heavyweight title.

Shakur Stevenson stopped Josh Padley in round 9 to retain his WBC lightweight title.

Carlos Adames and Hamzah Sheeraz fought to a split draw (12 rounds), so Adames kept his WBC middleweight title.

Vergil Ortiz beat Israil Madrimov by unanimous decision (12 rounds) to keep his WBC interim super welterweight title.

Agit Kabayel stopped Zhilei Zhang in round 6 to win the vacant WBC interim heavyweight title.

Callum Smith defeated Joshua Buatsi by unanimous decision (12 rounds) to win the WBO interim light heavyweight title.

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