The Unusual Replacement
Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed the unique circumstances surrounding the selection of Josh Padley as a replacement for Floyd Schofield in Shakur Stevenson’s WBC lightweight title defense on February 22nd in Riyadh. When Hearn presented Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi promoter, with a list of potential opponents, he emphasized Padley’s recent victory over Mark Chamberlain, a fighter personally favored by Turki. This connection proved pivotal, and Padley, despite a less impressive record (15-0, 4 KOs), was chosen over more formidable contenders like Jadier Herrera. Hearn’s strategy was clear: keep Stevenson unbeaten to build up to a lucrative fight against Gervonta Davis. The selection of Padley, known for his lack of punch power and relatively inexperienced record, aligns with this protective approach.
Shakur Stevenson’s Career Trajectory
Shakur Stevenson, a former three-division world champion, has faced a significant drop in the quality of his opponents since moving up to lightweight in 2023. His recent record includes victories over fighters with minimal power and recent losses, such as Artem Harutyunyan, who was coming off a defeat and had been inactive for a year. Another notable fight was against Edwin De Los Santos, a match that Stevenson nearly lost. His win over Shuichiro Yoshino, a little-known fringe contender, further highlights the trend of weak matchmaking. These bouts have been orchestrated to ensure Stevenson’s unbeaten record remains intact, a strategy that is reminiscent of how Hearn handled other fighters under his promotion.
The Pattern of Protective Matchmaking
Eddie Hearn’s approach to matchmaking is often criticized for its protective nature, especially when it comes to high-profile fighters he hopes to line up for mega-money bouts. A similar pattern emerged when Hearn signed Edgar Berlanga, a New Yorker with minimal experience, to Matchroom. Immediately after the signing, there were talks of Berlanga challenging Canelo Alvarez, despite his history of fighting "tomato cans." Hearn then matched Berlanga against two soft opponents, Jason Quigley and Padraig McCrory, before setting him up for the highly lucrative fight against Canelo. This strategy of ensuring fighters face weak opposition to maintain their records is evident in Stevenson’s case as well, safeguarding him against potential losses until he can secure a big payday.
The Dangers of Undermatching
The practice of undermatching fighters can have severe repercussions, both for the fighters themselves and the sport. When Stevenson faced Edwin De Los Santos, it became apparent that he could not be trusted to handle opponents with any significant power or skill. This bout, which was nearly a loss for Stevenson, underscored his vulnerability and the importance of Hearn’s protective matchmaking. The risk is that fighters like Stevenson may become complacent or untested, ultimately leading to a mismatch in their big-money fights. The fight against Tank Davis, if it ever happens, will be a true test of Stevenson’s abilities, especially given the significant talent gap he has faced in recent bouts.
Hearn’s Role and the Deal
Eddie Hearn played a crucial role in selecting Josh Padley as the replacement for Floyd Schofield. Upon learning about Schofield’s unavailability, Hearn immediately convened with hiskers to matchma find viable alternatives. He presented four names to Turki Alalshikh, and when he highlighted Padley’s victory over Mark Chamberlain, Turki readily agreed. The process of finalizing the deal was intense and expensive, but Hearn believes it was well worth it. For Josh Padley, this opportunity is life-changing, providing him a shot at a world title. For Stevenson, it ensures that he remains in the ring and continues to build his record, albeit against weaker competition.
The Future of Shakur Stevenson
As Shakur Stevenson continues to face less challenging opponents, the road to a potential megabucks fight against Gervonta Davis remains fraught with controversy. Critics argue that Stevenson’s record is artificially inflated and that his true abilities are being shielded from the public. However, Hearn remains committed to this strategy, believing it will eventually lead Stevenson to the lucrative fight he desires. The upcoming bout against Josh Padley is just another step in this carefully orchestrated journey. Only time will tell if this approach will pay off or if it will backfire, revealing Stevenson’s weaknesses on a larger stage.
