Shakur Stevenson Retains WBC Lightweight Title with Ninth-Round TKO Victory
Shakur Stevenson delivered a dominant performance to retain his WBC lightweight title with a ninth-round TKO victory over late replacement Josh Padley on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fight, part of the Riyadh Season’s “The Last Crescendo” event, saw Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) drop Padley three times in the ninth round, all from body shots, forcing Padley’s corner to throw in the towel.
Padley (15-1, 4 KOs), a British electrician who accepted the fight on just four days’ notice after Floyd Schofield withdrew due to illness, showed grit but was outmatched by Stevenson’s superior speed, power, and technical skill. Despite Padley’s early aggression, Stevenson systematically broke him down, landing punishing body shots and combinations that culminated in the decisive ninth-round stoppage.
Stevenson, a three-division world champion, fought for the first time under the Matchroom Boxing banner after previously being promoted by Top Rank. The victory marked his second successful defense of the WBC lightweight title and showcased his ability to adapt to a late change in opponent. While Padley’s performance earned respect for his resilience, Stevenson’s dominance reaffirmed his status as one of the sport’s elite talents.
The fight was met with mixed reactions from fans, with some criticizing Stevenson for not delivering more excitement, while others praised his technical brilliance. Stevenson, visibly frustrated by the crowd’s boos, taunted the audience post-fight, embracing a potential villain role. Despite the criticism, Stevenson remains a top contender in the lightweight division, with a potential superfight against Gervonta “Tank” Davis still looming as one of boxing’s most anticipated matchups.
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