A New Challenger Emerges: Jadier Herrera
Cuban boxer Jadier Herrera is stepping into the limelight as a potential replacement for WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson’s opponent this Saturday, February 22nd, in Riyadh. The original opponent, Floyd Schofield, had to withdraw due to an illness, leaving Stevenson’s management scrambling to find a suitable replacement. Enter Jadier Herrera, a 22-year-old fighter who boasts a #14 ranking in the WBC lightweight division. While this sudden change might seem risky, Herrera’s talent and potential make him a formidable opponent, and the match could offer a thrilling and unexpected twist to the event.
The Contenders: Herrera vs. Padley
According to reports by Ariel Helwani, two names are under consideration to fill the void left by Schofield: Jadier Herrera and Josh Padley. Padley, with a record of 15-0 and 4 KOs, is a British fighter who recently made waves by upsetting Mark Chamberlain at Wembley Stadium. However, when it comes to pure boxing ability, Herrera stands out as the more viable and dangerous option. The Cuban’s southpaw stance, combined with his technical skills and powerful left hand, makes him a significant threat to Stevenson. Herrera’s fighting style is reminiscent of super middleweight Osley Iglesias, known for his devastating left hook. It’s a style that could catch Stevenson off guard, especially given the short notice.
The Threat of Jadier Herrera
Jadier Herrera is not just a replacement; he is a significant upgrade from Floyd Schofield. His power, technical prowess, and southpaw stance make him a far more challenging opponent. If Stevenson’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, proceeds with Herrera, it could be a risky but exciting move. The Cuban has a sneaky left hand that could end the fight in a single blow. This power is not often seen in fighters his age, making Herrera a unique and formidable challenge. The prospect of seeing Stevenson face such a talented and dangerous opponent on such short notice adds an element of unpredictability to the bout, which could make it one of the most exciting fights of the year.
Stevenson’s Built-in Excuse
If Stevenson were to lose to Jadier Herrera, he would have a built-in excuse: the fight was arranged on three days’ notice, and he did not have time to prepare for a southpaw opponent with one-punch power. This excuse would be valid, given the circumstances, but it also underscores the potential difficulty of the match. Shakur Stevenson is known for his exceptional skills and conditioning, but even the best fighters can struggle when faced with a last-minute, unprepared change. The pressure on Stevenson to perform under these conditions is immense, and the fans will be watching closely to see how he handles it.
Alternative Options: Andy Cruz
Eddie Hearn also has another strong contender in his stable: Andy Cruz, a 2020 Olympic gold medalist. Cruz, like Herrera, is equally talented and possesses more power and a more entertaining style. He is another fighter who could pose a significant challenge to Stevenson. However, the decision to go with Herrera or Cruz comes down to whether Hearn believes in Stevenson’s ability to handle such a tough opponent on such short notice. Both Herrera and Cruz have the potential to beat Stevenson, and Hearn will need to weigh the risks and rewards carefully before making a final decision.
The Skepticism and Uncertainty
Ade Oladipo, a respected boxing analyst, voiced his concerns on Ariel Helwani’s YouTube channel about the feasibility of finding a fighter in top condition on three days’ notice. Oladipo pointed out that any boxer, no matter how in shape, would be at a significant disadvantage when facing a champion like Stevenson under such circumstances. He also noted that while Josh Padley is a talented lightweight, his current weight and recent activity levels are unknown, adding another layer of uncertainty to the situation. Oladipo suggested that another British fighter, Joe Cordina, could have been a better fit, but it remains unclear whether Cordina was ever considered or if he would have taken the fight. The unpredictability of this last-minute change is what makes the upcoming event in Riyadh all the more intriguing and potentially explosive.
