Beterbiev vs Bivol 2: Briton Josh Padley replaces Floyd Schofield Jr in world title fight against Shakur Stevenson
Briton Josh Padley will fight WBC lightweight world champion Shakur Stevenson in Saudi Arabia on Saturday as JR is forced to withdraw.
Schofield JR was evacuated from the world championship battle after being hospitalized on Tuesday.
Stevenson, 27, faces unbeaten fighter Padley, who remains unbeaten in 15 matches.
Yorkshireman competed in his first World Championship match in a few days’ notice.
Stevenson remained unbeaten in 22 games, showing great improvements to Padley, whose final victory was domestic rival Mark last September Mark Chamberlain.
American fighter Stevenson won the championship in 2023.
Schofield Jr’s father posted a picture of his son in a hospital bed Wednesday and denied that he was “drawing away from” the fight, but provided no further details.
The 22-year-old American did not show up in Riyadh’s Grand Cantonese on Tuesday, and news of his withdrawal soon appeared.
“As a parent, I’m overwhelmed. People can be cruel and evil. A comeback will be the main one.
Schofield Jr’s sponsor Kim Boy said the fighter was “sick” but was now released from the hospital and was awaiting “his medical evaluation results.”
The British Boxing Commission, which oversees the Battle Night of Riyadh, decided to cancel the round of Schofield JR.
