Hearn’s “Great Save” (lol)
Promoter Eddie Hearn has been quick to pat himself on the back for his last-minute decision to secure Josh Padley (15-0, 4 KOs) as the replacement opponent for WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) on the upcoming DAZN PPV card at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Hearn refers to his choice as "The great save" because it ensures that Stevenson remains on the card this Saturday. Interestingly, British fans have shown a surprising level of enthusiasm for this matchup, which starkly contrasts with the American perspective. As someone with a bit of Irish blood, I must admit that I find the match-up deeply troubling. The fundamental issue is that Padley’s career resume is abysmal, featuring a series of opponents who are, to put it mildly, not at Stevenson’s level. It’s a decision that seems more about keeping the show on schedule than about providing a meaningful challenge.
Padley’s Pathetic Resume
A closer look at Padley’s career reveals a series of fights against mostly unknown and low-rated opponents. Here’s a breakdown of some of his more notable bouts:
- Mark Chamberlain (16-0): A journeyman fighter who has not faced any significant competition.
- Conner Lee Doherty (5-2): A lesser-known fighter with a modest record.
- Lydon Chircop (6-0): Another journeyman with no notable wins.
- Clayton Bricknell (4-8-1): A fighter with a losing record and minimal experience.
- Victor Julio (16-7): A veteran with mixed results and no marquee wins.
- Jimmy First (14-0): A fighter whose record has not been tested against top-tier competition.
- Mark Butler (2-3): A fighter with a losing record who has not made much of an impact in the boxing world.
Given this list, it’s clear that Padley is far from being a credible contender. U.S. fans on social media have echoed this sentiment, expressing their disappointment and frustration with the selection. They see Padley as a terrible choice for Stevenson and argue that he is unworthy of facing a champion at this level. The consensus is that Padley would not stand a chance against any of the top five contenders, let alone a champion like Stevenson.
The Show Must Go On
Hearn’s celebratory tone is understandable from a business perspective. In an industry where last-minute changes can derail plans and waste significant resources, finding a replacement opponent is no small feat. "This is one of the great saves because 99% of the time, with a normal team, ‘You’re going home. You’re not fighting,’ and all the hard work has been wasted, and I was not going to let Shakur Stevenson down," Hearn explained to Matchroom Boxing. He further emphasized the importance of the opportunity for Padley, stating, "I’m pleased that Josh [Padley] gets that massive life-changing opportunity. I’m really pleased seeing a pound-for-pound great, Shakur Stevenson, still fighting on Saturday."
However, this enthusiasm is misplaced when considering the quality of the bout. Stevenson’s original opponent, Liam Wilson, was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury, and the British Boxing Board of Control initially sought a suitable replacement. The board’s decision to allow Padley to step in, despite his lackluster record, is puzzling. Hearn’s insistence on keeping Stevenson on the card, rather than postponing the fight or finding a more worthy opponent, raises questions about the integrity of the sport.
Building Stevenson’s Legacy
Hearn’s decision to match Stevenson against Padley can be seen as a strategic move to enhance Stevenson’s reputation and make him appear invincible. By providing an easy opponent, Hearn ensures that Stevenson will have a smooth victory, which can be used to build momentum and increase his appeal for bigger fights, such as a potential bout against Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis. "Shakur is a top five pound-for-pound. He’s fighting a guy [Josh Padley] that is British European level, but at least you’ve got a Brit that is coming in and will give it 110% and go for it every single round," Hearn said.
While this strategy might work in the short term, it risks diminishing the perceived value of Stevenson’s title and his status as a champion. True champions are defined by the caliber of their opponents and the challenges they overcome. Matching Stevenson against a fighter of Padley’s calibre is unlikely to add any significant luster to Stevenson’s legacy. Instead, it might make future opponents and fans question the strength of the champion’s title defenses.
Turki Alalshikh’s Oversight
One has to wonder why Turki Alalshikh, the promoter of the event, agreed to this match-up. Given the high stakes and the prestigious nature of the event, it would have been more appropriate to insist on a higher-level contender. Stevenson-Padley is not just a mismatch; it is a fight that lacks sporting integrity. Alalshikh’s primary responsibility should be to ensure that the events he promotes are credible and fair, which this fight clearly fails to achieve.
Stevenson is on the hunt for a big payday and a title unification bout with Davis, and facing an opponent like Padley does nothing to advance that cause. It is a decision that benefits Hearn and Matchroom Boxing more than it does the sport or Stevenson’s career. The lack of a formidable opponent diminishes the significance of the championship and the potential for future high-profile bouts.
The Impact on Boxing
While Hearn’s quick thinking and resourcefulness are commendable, the choice of Padley as a replacement opponent raises broader concerns about the state of boxing. The sport thrives on competitive and engaging fights, and a mismatch like Stevenson-Padley does a disservice to the fans and the athletes. It sends a message that the bottom line and promotional narratives are more important than the quality of the matches and the integrity of the sport.
For Stevenson, this fight is more of a formality than a true test of his skills. It risks making him appear overrated and could potentially undermine the hard work and dedication he has put into his career. Moreover, it sends a message to other fighters that they can achieve similar opportunities without a proven track record, which could have a detrimental effect on the sport’s standards and the development of young talent.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while Eddie Hearn may see the selection of Josh Padley as a "great save," the broader boxing community is less convinced. The match-up is a mismatch on multiple levels, and it does little to serve Stevenson’s legacy or the integrity of the sport. It is a decision that prioritizes short-term gain over long-term credibility, and it is one that future stakeholders in Stevenson’s career will likely scrutinize. Boxing fans, both in the U.S. and globally, deserve better. They deserve to see champions tested against the best the division has to offer, not against fringe contenders with questionable resumes.
