WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson was looking to set the stage on fire with his fight against lightweight prospect Floyd Schofield Jr. However, luck was not on his side—’Kid Austin’ pulled out of the fight at the 11th hour, leaving the Newark native scrambling for a last-minute replacement. Previously undefeated Josh Padley took the fight, replacing Schofield Jr.
Padley was not given much of a chance to beat the 27-year-old technician, but Padley stepped up to the challenge nonetheless. Despite showing tremendous heart during the fight, the 29-year-old Englishman was dispatched to the canvas three times before his corner threw in the towel. This was Stevenson’s first fight since he had to pull out of the Joe Cordina fight last year in October.
You see, Stevenson had to undergo hand surgery to repair tears to his sagittal band and collateral ligament. This had already raised concerns about his ability to punch, with many questioning his power. It wouldn’t have caused much of an issue since Stevenson is mostly a defensive fighter, but the 27-year-old was seen shaking his hand during the Padley fight, indicating his hand was still bothering him.
LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 12: Shakur Stevenson celebrates after defeating Toka Kahn-Clary at the MGM Grand Conference Center on December 12, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
Weeks after the bout, Padley has shed light on what Stevenson’s punching power is really like and whether a lack of power will affect his future in the sport. “He makes up for power with how good he can set things up and how accurate his punches are,” Padley told Fight Hub TV, implying Stevenson doesn’t carry much power. However, Padley believes that’s not a bad thing.
“They’re on the button every time, and he doesn’t waste anything,” he added. “So even though it’s not the hardest I’ve ever been hit. It’s banging the solar plexus every time, or it’s banging behind the ribs every time, or it’s banging the temple always. He’s setting things up, so obviously what he lacks in the power he makes up for in his boxing skills.”
It’s also worth noting that, during Stevenson’s fights against Edwin De Los Santos and Artem Harutyunyan, Stevenson faced criticism for fighting too defensively. This forced him to pursue knockouts, which he got in the Padley fight, but, as Padley revealed, not because of his power, but rather because of his raw boxing skills.
Stevenson might not have the power, but he never backs down from a fight, which he believes Floyd Schofield Jr. did.
Shakur Stevenson says he is never giving Floyd Schofield Jr. a second chance
In the buildup of the fight, Shakur Stevenson had suspected Floyd Schofield Jr. might pull out of the fight. Unfortunately for Stevenson, that’s exactly what happened a few days before the fight was supposed to happen. Schofield Jr. cited illness for pulling out of the fight, but now, Stevenson believes Schofield Jr. can kiss that opportunity goodbye.
You see, Stevenson was never eager to meet ‘Kid Austin’ in the ring, it was Schofield Jr. and his father who talked their way into the fight. With a lack of available opponents, Stevenson said why not? However, with their fight in the gutters, Stevenson told Cigar Talk, “It was very disappointing just off the fact that I gave him an opportunity.”
KISSIMMEE, FL – MARCH 05: Floyd Schofield celebrates after a first round knockout over Jonathan Conde during the Boxeo Telemundo All Star Boxing event at Osceola Heritage Park on March 5, 2021 in Kissimmee, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
“I’m the one who put him on that stage. When the higher-ups said they didn’t want that fight to happen, I pushed for the fight anyway. I gave him that opportunity and he just slapped me in my face,” he added. Stevenson would rather take a fight against Gervonta Davis, William Zepeda, or even Lamont Roach Jr., leaving Schofield Jr. to win his way up to a potential fight.
Even if Schofield Jr., who is ranked pretty low in the WBC rankings, climbs his way back up to fight Stevenson in the future, Stevenson doesn’t seem to be in the mood. “F**k no, hell no,” he said at the prospect of fighting ‘Kid Austin’ down the line. “He ain’t deserve to be there.”
That being said, Shakur Stevenson might not pack the sort of power that can end a fight with one shot, but he sure knows how to string up a combination and leave his opponent punch drunk. But do you think power is that important?
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