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Shakur Stevenson made things look easy earlier today (Sat., Feb. 22, 2025) at “Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2” LIVE on DAZN pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the WBC lightweight champion obliterated late-notice replacement and active electrician, Josh Padley, with a late-round body shot TKO.
Stevenson, 27, was originally expected to defend his WBC title against Floyd Schofield Jr. before the latter was “poisoned” and unable to compete. In stepped Padley, who had amassed an undefeated record of 15-0 entering Saturday night. The English fighter is also a full-time electrician and was only given a few days to prepare to fight one of the best young champions in the sport.
For that reason and more, Stevenson was expected to mop the floor with Padley from the opening bell to the final second of the fight.
It may have taken a bit longer than expected, but Stevenson started to piece Padley up in the middle rounds. Padley did fairly well in the beginning frames and even landed some solid punches, but the longer the fight went the more it favored the champion. It also didn’t help that Padley seemed to injure his left hand along the way.
With one hand cooked and a gas tank depleted, Padley didn’t have much to offer down the stretch. This allowed Stevenson to work inside and land crushing punches to the body. The champion would go to secure three knockdowns in the ninth round alone before Padley’s corner finally threw in the towel.
Check out the video highlights below:
SHAKUR STEVENSON
WITH A 9TH ROUND BODY SHOT KO VICTORY OVER 3 DAY LATE REPLACEMENT JOSH PADLEY(15-1 4 KOs)??
#Boxing #BeterbievBivol2— Danny (@dantheboxingman) February 22, 2025
Stevenson, who pushes his undefeated pro boxing record to 23-0 with this lopsided beatdown over Padley, could be destined for great things in 2025. That may include a showdown with one of boxing’s other standout lightweight champions; Gervonta Davis, Vasiliy Lomachenko, or Keyshawn Davis.
For complete ‘Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2’ results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.