Stevenson body attack stops Padley in 9th, retains WBC 135 title
Adames retains 160 title in draw with Sheeraz; Ortiz outpoints Madrimov; Kabayel KOs Zhang; Callum Smith outslugs Buatsi
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Shakur Stevenson knocked out late replacement Josh Padley with an overwhelming body attack in the ninth round to retain the WBC lightweight title and then promptly called out WBA counterpart Gervonta “Tank” Davis for a unification fight on the loaded Riyadh Season DAZN PPV undercard on Saturday at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
First, Stevenson had to deal with England’s Padley, an electrician by trade, who was working at his day job on Tuesday before getting the call about stepping in as a replacement on four days’ notice for Floyd Schofield, who had taken ill and was hospitalized in Riyadh.
Padley, who was coming off his biggest win in a decision over Mark Chamberlain on a Riyadh Season card in London in September, quickly accepted the offer and was soon en route to the fight site.
Padley, who was ranked 12th in the WBC rankings — one spot at ahead of No. 13 Schofield — had little to lose and gave an inspired effort. But he was no match for the technically gifted Stevenson, a three-division titleholder making his second lightweight title defense in his first fight since his promotional contract with career-long promoter Top Rank expired and he signed with Matchroom Boxing.
Padley had a good first round as Stevenson settled in but after that it was all Stevenson, a southpaw, who did as he pleased, although Padley proved to be a tough customer.