Shakur Stevenson edges closer to announcing his eagerly anticipated return after his WBC world title defense against William Zepeda was scuppered.
The 27-year-old was supposed to lock horns with former world champion Joe Cordina in October, featuring on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol.
Stevenson, however, was then forced to withdraw from the contest after sustaining a hand injury, targeting February 22 as a potential comeback date instead.
But while he was set to collide with mandatory challenger Zepeda, it now appears that the pound-for-pound star will defend his WBC lightweight belt against unproven prospect Floyd Schofield.
- Read More [Shakur Stevenson sends ruthless warning to Floyd Schofield ahead of Riyadh Season showdown]
Shakur Stevenson targets Floyd Schofield and William Zepeda
In an attempt to stay active during Stevenson’s time away from the ring, Zepeda took on former world champion Tevin Farmer last month.
After edging a highly contentious split decision, though, the number one contender at 135 lbs was forced to pull out of his title shot with an arm injury.
But still, Stevenson looks set to defend his trinket in February, featuring on a stacked Riyadh Season card that promises to deliver an action-packed night from start to finish.
The slick southpaw’s opponent is expected to be unbeaten American Schofield who, in truth, is yet to face anyone on the level of the WBC titlist.
Nevertheless, his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, has revealed that the 22-year-old has agreed to face Stevenson, branding him as “the most badass prospect fighter today.”
In response to the Golden Boy boss, Stevenson wrote on X: “Finally [you’re] talking some sense. [Austin] first then I knock Zepeda off next.
“Sorry in advance my guy [you] are a legend to me in the boxing ring!”
- Read More [Shakur Stevenson highlights William Zepeda’s greatest strength ahead of their potential showdown]
Will Shakur Stevenson unify against the likes of Gervonta Davis and Denys Berinchyk?
Since signing with Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, Stevenson has, if anything, expended his distance from the biggest matchups at lightweight.
While he has lined up two potential title defenses against Schofield and Zepeda, the American is seemingly no closer to securing a career-defining dustup.
Of course, the fight that every fan wants to see is against WBA titlist Gervonta Davis, who will headline an Amazon Prime pay-per-view card against Lamont Roach in March.
But WBO titlist Denys Berinchyk, too, would make for an intriguing unification against Stevenson, while the future of IBF belt holder Vasyl Lomachenko remains uncertain.