Shakur Stevenson is set to defend his WBC world lightweight title on a mammoth Riyadh Season card that is being finalised for February 22.
The 27-year-old was supposed to face former world champion Joe Cordina last month, but then pulled out of their clash after sustaining a hand injury.
Instead, the slick southpaw has been gearing up for his return in the new year, expecting to collide with mandatory challenger William Zepeda.
But now, with Zepeda suffering an injury himself, Stevenson has seemingly agreed to defend his crown against unbeaten youngster Floyd ‘Kid Austin’ Schofield.
Riyadh Season card could feature Daniel Dubois and Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2
Boxing power broker Turki Alalshikh has, without question, had a seismic impact on the sporting landscape, staging the majority of his blockbuster events in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
And yet, at the beginning of 2025, the Saudi boxing chief is set to deliver his biggest Riyadh Season card thus far, featuring the return of Daniel Dubois.
The IBF world heavyweight champion was in talks to enter a rematch with Anthony Joshua, but is now reportedly eying up a mouthwatering clash against seasoned operator Joseph Parker.
Not only that, but Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has even teased a main-event dustup between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, with both light heavyweights looking to set the record straight in a fiercely anticipated rematch.
One matchup that now appears to be over the line, though, is Stevenson vs. Schofield, with the pair already exchanging plenty of barbs on social media.
Shakur Stevenson hits back at Floyd Scofield on social media
Schofield is ranked number two by the WBA but, interestingly, does not appear to be in the WBC’s top 15 at 135 lbs.
Still, the 22-year-old is widely regarded as one of America’s most promising talents, breezing past most of his 18 opponents with relative ease.
That said, Schofield is yet to face anyone on the level of Stevenson, who just so happens to be one of the most skilled technicians in boxing.
On X, Stevenson wrote: “I’m gone show [Schofield] why [you] don’t send children on a grown man’s mission!”
And so, it seems as though Stevenson, a vastly more experienced campaigner, will be looking to prove that he is levels above his next opponent in February.