“A Rocky Opportunity” – Josh Padley Will Fight Shakur Stevenson for the WBC Title On Four Days Notice

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (February 20th, 2025)– On the undercard of Artur Beterbiev versus Dimitry Bivol II The Last Crescendo, Saturday, February 22, 2025, Josh ‘Paddy’ Padley, ranked seventh in the world by the WBO, tenth in the world by the IBF and twelfth in the world by the WBC, will step up on four days of notice and challenge Shakur Stevenson for his World Boxing Council World Lightweight title, the ultimate Rocky Balboa opportunity of a lifetime chance few unknown fighters ever get.

Padley replaces the 18-0 undefeated scheduled challenger, Floyd Schofield Jr. of Austin, Texas, as an illness caused him to be hospitalized, resulting in the British Boxing Board of Control withdrawing him from the Stevenson world title bout.

Josh Padley, 15-0 with four knockouts, Armthorpe, United Kingdom, upset the previously undefeated 16-0 Mark Chamberlain at Wembley Stadium on September 21, 2025, to earn his world rankings and provide the incredible chance of a last-minute opportunity bout to fight Stevenson. The moneyline odds reached 1800 for Chamberlain and +1180 for Padley, a real Rocky Balboa story if there ever was one.

GOLDEN BOY STATEMENT REGARDING FLOYD “KID AUSTIN” SCHOFIELD JR.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Feb. 19, 2025) — “Yesterday, Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield Jr. fell ill and was transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure. In the interest of Schofield’s health and safety, the British Boxing Board of Control made the decision to cancel his scheduled bout against Shakur Stevenson. Schofield has since been discharged from the hospital and is awaiting the results of his medical evaluation. We extend our gratitude to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, SELA, and the medical professionals who provided Schofield with care.

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 Saturday, February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Purchase Below

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Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert is the Head Boxing Correspondent for Real Combat Media Boxing since 2013. Robert is also a photographer and ringside reporter for the RCM Tri State region which includes NJ, NY and PA. Robert conducts exclusive interviews, provides historical boxing articles and provides editorial ringside coverage of major boxing events. You can contact or follow Robert on Facebook and by email at [email protected].