Stevenson Vs. Schofield Is Off; Schofield Withdraws

Shakur Stevenson’s WBC Lightweight Title defense against Floyd Schofield has suffered a major setback after the latter withdrew. 

Reports indicate that Schofield pulled out with an illness as he failed to make the Grand Arrivals. This is another hurdle that Shakur must overcome as his Matchroom Boxing debut has suffered several setbacks. He was initially meant to fight Joe Cordina last year. But Shakur suffered a hand injury in sparring, so the fight could not go ahead.

He subsequently underwent surgery to fight his WBC mandatory William Zepeda. But the Mexican pulled out after suffering from his own hand injury. Schofield was given the opportunity to secure his first world title as he arrived into the fight with an undefeated 18-0 record. But the British Boxing Board of Control has said that Schofield has now pulled out with an illness.

Stevenson Vs. Schofield

“The Ring has learned that WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson is hunting for a late replacement. Floyd Schofield has fallen ill and was pulled from the fight by the British Boxing Board of Control. According to a source, two of the options being considered include Moussa Gholam and Josh Padley.”

“I’m ready to show the world that I’m a superstar. I think I’m one of the best fighters in the sport of boxing. The world will know on February 22. They can expect the best fighter to show out. That’s what I’m going to do,” Shakur 

That leaves Shakur with a quick decision to make over finding a suitable replacement. He cannot afford to choose a fighter who is not well-known since a victory will not go down in an impressive fashion. It also prevents him from testing his skills against a highly-skilled opponent. But if he chooses someone who is more than a capable match, there is a danger that Shakur has not had enough preparation. That is a fine balance.

What’s Lined Up?

This is particularly crucial since Shakur is trying to secure the biggest fights. He has heavily been linked with a fight against Gervonta Davis in what would be a potential unification. Tank boxes Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1 as he defends his WBA Lightweight Title. Davis has already said that he will retire this year. His aim is to fight three more times, meaning he will want to secure the most lucrative bouts. 

A fight against Shakur is certainly up there, even if Stevenson does not have a boxing style that resonates with the crossover fanbase. Eddie Hearn was confident that he could make this fight provided that all parties have realistic expectations. But that all depends on Shakur coming through his next fight, as there is uncertainty over who he will now face. 

“If everyone is sensible. What other fights are out there for Tank?. He’s [Tank] got a decent fight next, but he’s [Lamont Roach]. Tank will want to be in big fights. He’ll want to make big money, and I think the biggest fight out there for him is Shakur Stevenson and vice versa,” Hearn said