A highly anticipated boxing event in Riyadh, featuring seven world title or interim world title bouts, has encountered a significant setback. Floyd Schofield was originally set to challenge Shakur Stevenson for the WBC lightweight title. However, Schofield's mysterious illness forced him to withdraw from the fight, reducing the number of title bouts to six. Speculations and accusations have emerged regarding the circumstances of his withdrawal, leading to tensions between both camps. Despite this, Stevenson will still compete on February 22nd, with Josh Padley stepping in as a late replacement.
The boxing extravaganza in Riyadh initially promised an evening filled with high-stakes championship matches. One of the key matchups was supposed to be the contest between Floyd Schofield and Shakur Stevenson for the WBC lightweight title. Schofield had already arrived in Saudi Arabia at the start of the week but notably missed the grand arrival ceremony on Tuesday. His absence sparked rumors and wild claims on social media suggesting he had been poisoned. In response, Schofield's father posted a video on Instagram showing his son in a hospital bed, refuting any suggestion that he was avoiding the fight. The elder Schofield appealed for prayers and support for his son.
However, Stevenson's manager, Josh Dubin, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the situation. He demanded an apology from Schofield's camp, citing potential legal consequences for defamatory statements made about Stevenson. Dubin emphasized that false accusations of poisoning would not go unchallenged and warned that such lies could undermine the integrity of the sport. The controversy surrounding Schofield’s withdrawal added an unexpected twist to the pre-fight atmosphere, raising doubts about the authenticity of the claims.
In light of Schofield’s withdrawal, the organizers quickly found a replacement. England’s Josh Padley, known for his surprising victory over Mark Chamberlain last September, will now face Stevenson. Padley, who works as an electrician by day, has shown remarkable promise in his boxing career. His inclusion adds a new dimension to the card, promising an exciting matchup despite the last-minute changes. Prior to Schofield's confirmed withdrawal, Matchroom's Eddie Hearn had expressed confidence that the fight would proceed as planned. However, Stevenson had voiced concerns about Schofield’s commitment, fearing he might be looking for a way out of the bout.
Despite the turmoil, the boxing event in Riyadh remains a highlight of the sporting calendar. While the withdrawal of Schofield has introduced an element of uncertainty, the addition of Josh Padley ensures that fans will still witness a thrilling contest. The resilience shown by the organizers in securing a suitable replacement underscores their commitment to delivering a memorable night of boxing. Stevenson's focus will now shift entirely to preparing for his new opponent, setting the stage for an intense and unpredictable match.