Shakur Stevenson Defeats Josh Padley, Keeps WBC Lightweight Title

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Post on Feb 24, 2025

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Stevenson Dominates Padley, Retains WBC Lightweight Title

Las Vegas, NV – Shakur Stevenson showcased his superior boxing skills on Saturday night, dismantling Josh Padley in a one-sided unanimous decision victory to retain his WBC lightweight title. The fight, held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, saw Stevenson control the pace and distance throughout all twelve rounds, leaving no doubt as to the victor. The judges' scorecards reflected the dominance, with scores of 120-108, 120-108, and 119-109, all in favor of the champion.

Stevenson, known for his elusive style and pinpoint accuracy, used his superior speed and footwork to repeatedly land clean punches while avoiding Padley's attempts to engage. Padley, a game but ultimately outmatched opponent, struggled to close the distance and consistently found himself on the receiving end of Stevenson's combinations. While Padley showed heart and determination, his lack of power and inability to effectively counter Stevenson's movement proved to be his undoing.

The fight lacked the dramatic knockdowns or explosive exchanges expected from a title bout. Instead, it was a masterclass in boxing strategy and execution, a testament to Stevenson's tactical prowess. He patiently picked his shots, targeting the body and head with precision, gradually wearing down Padley throughout the contest. Stevenson displayed a refined defensive game, consistently slipping punches and using his angles to negate Padley's offense.

“I felt good tonight. I did what I had to do," Stevenson said in his post-fight interview. "Padley is a tough fighter, but I was prepared for everything he brought. I’m focused on bigger fights, bigger challenges. This was just another step on the journey.” The champion hinted at future plans to potentially unify titles against other lightweight champions, highlighting his ambition to become an undisputed champion.

Padley, while acknowledging his defeat, expressed respect for Stevenson's talent. "He's a great fighter, one of the best in the world. There's no shame in losing to someone like him," Padley stated. He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to fight for a world title, emphasizing his determination to continue his boxing career.

The victory solidifies Stevenson's position as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world. His flawless performance against Padley further underscores his potential to dominate the lightweight division and beyond. Promoter Top Rank is already reportedly considering potential matchups for Stevenson's next fight, with several high-profile contenders vying for a shot at the title. The undefeated Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) will undoubtedly remain a prominent figure in the boxing world for years to come. The win maintains his impressive undefeated streak and keeps his WBC lightweight title firmly in his grasp. The next chapter in the Shakur Stevenson story promises to be equally exciting.