Unlikely Contender: Josh Padley's Rapid Rise to WBC Lightweight Showdown

Shakur Stevenson defended his WBC lightweight title, stopping Josh Padley in the ninth round. Padley, an electrician, took the fight on three days' notice. Despite a valiant effort, Padley, stepping in for Floyd Schofield, couldn't overcome Stevenson's prowess. The fight took place in Riyadh, elevating Stevenson's record to 23-0.

Shakur Stevenson retained his WBC lightweight title with a ninth-round stoppage victory over Josh Padley. The bout took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after Padley stepped in as a last-minute replacement for the ill Floyd Schofield.

Padley, a British electrician with a record of 15-1, accepted the challenge on just three days' notice. He had been installing solar panels when he received the call, leaving his workvan at the airport to catch the flight to Saudi Arabia.

Despite being outmatched against Stevenson, who improved his record to an impressive 23-0, Padley's display earned respect from boxing fans worldwide. However, after being dropped three times, Padley's corner had to concede the fight at the end of the ninth round.

(With inputs from agencies.)