This Saturday, February 22, is set to be one of the most epic nights in boxing history, with Beterbiev vs Bivol and Dubois vs Parker headlining the evening’s six fights. However, the highly anticipated matchup between Shakur and Schofield has unfortunately been derailed due to a last-minute issue. Schofield’s father took to Instagram to share some concerning stories about his son’s condition, showing him laid up in a hospital bed.
Apparently, the masseuse for “Kid Austin” had applied a dubious cream, which Schofield’s father, Floyd, claimed on his social media account was the cause of his son’s hospitalization. He later deleted the post. Stevenson’s co-manager, Josh Dubin, was quick to respond to these allegations, stating, “To say that his food was poisoned will not go unnoticed.” He went on to warn that if Schofield’s team doesn’t issue a public apology, they’ll face legal consequences.
The Replacement Has Been Chosen
Enter Josh Padley, a British boxer with a professional record of 0-14-0, including four wins by knockout. He’s been announced as the official substitute to face Shakur for the WBC lightweight title. It’s essentially a showdown between the United States and the United Kingdom. Padley’s manager and coach, Stefy Bull, along with WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, confirmed the rumors initially reported by Ring Magazine. While Bull acknowledges that this is a crazy turn of events, especially after being in talks to fight in April, he believes it’s a great opportunity for his pupil.
It’s worth noting that this sudden change has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, with many fans and pundits weighing in on the situation. As the drama unfolds, one thing is certain – the stage is set for an unforgettable night of boxing, even if it’s not the matchup we were initially expecting. With Padley stepping in on short notice, it’ll be interesting to see how he fares against Shakur, and whether he can pull off a major upset.