Shakur Stevenson will now face a new opponent following the withdrawal of Floyd Schofield on fight week.
Just five days before their world lightweight title fight, Schofield would be forced to withdraw from the challenge due to an illness.
Although Stevenson’s team were accused of foul play by Schofield, it is yet to be known what the exact illness that the 22-year-old contracted is.
Schofield’s father has posted a video of his son in the hospital, however, Stevenson has given his thoughts as to why the fighter has withdrawn from the bout.
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Shakur Stevenson questions Floyd Schofield’s withdrawal
In an interview with Ring Magazine, Stevenson was asked about his thoughts on the withdrawal of Schofield from the bout.
“I think this kid was struggling to make the weight class,” Stevenson said.
“He probably had weight issues, and I think that was probably the issue. But instead of saying that, they come up with all types of crazy stuff.”
The WBC World Lightweight champion said that he was “disappointed” in the bout cancellation.
Stevenson said that he gave Schofield an opportunity to fight him, but that it felt like the challenger ‘slapped him in the face’ by withdrawing.
“Truthfully, I wanted to give him the opportunity to make some big money too.”
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Shakur Stevenson to take on Josh Padley on February 22nd
Stevenson will still feature on the huge pay-per-view event in Saudi Arabia on February 22nd. Instead of facing Schofield, Stevenson’s WBC World Lightweight title will be challenged by Josh Padely.
Padley is a fighter from England who boasts a 15-0 record, with three of his last four wins coming by way of knockout.
The British fighter was a huge underdog in his last outing, as he was able to defeat Mark Chamberlain via unanimous decision.
The fight will be Padley’s first world title opportunity having made his professional debut in 2019.
Padley passed a weight check on Wednesday morning, four days prior to his new title challenge.
42-0 Abel Mendoza called to fight Stevenson, however, he will not be getting the short notice opportunity.