Three-division world champion Shakur Stevenson was poised to make a second defence of WBC lightweight title against Wales’ Joe Cordina next month in an eyebrow-raising affair, but an injury has forced the American to withdraw. Now Stevenson has spoken out and revealed further details.
Stevenson was expected to take on William Zepeda, who is ranked as the number one contender with all four sanctioning bodies, before the end of the year until the Mexican asked for more time to prepare, only to then agree to a fight against an alternate opponent instead – much to the disappointed of Eddie Hearn, promoter of Stevenson.
The undefeated Newark sensation opted to make an additional defence of his strap whilst waiting for Zepeda and it was announced that he would give the opportunity to two-time IBF super-featherweight champion Joe Cordina, who would be coming in off of the back of a first career loss.
However, last night it was confirmed that the contest would no longer be going ahead due to a knuckle injury sustained by the champion and Hearn told Matchroom Boxing that he expects his new signing to make a ring return in early 2025, which is likely to be against Zepeda.
“He sent a pic of his hand last night after a session of sparring I believe; he has torn a tendon in his knuckle and has had to have immediate surgery. So unfortunately, he is out of the Joe Cordina fight on October 12thand won’t return until early 2025. As I said he has gone straight into surgery, so we are hoping for a good job in there and then back to work as soon as possible. He is very disappointed, obviously he was looking forward to fighting at Riyadh Season but obviously he had to get this done to continue fighting.”
On social media, Shakur Stevenson declared that 2025 will be his greatest year yet as the 2016 Rio silver medallist targets unification showdowns in the lightweight division, confirming the success of his emergency surgery.
“God works in mysterious ways. Through the ups and downs, I’m steady, hungry and motivated more than ever. 2025 is going to be my best year yet. Surgery went great, it’s a minor setback for a major comeback. #ChasingGreatness.”
As for Cordina, it remains unclear whether he will remain on the Riyadh Season card, as he hopes to bounce back from his May defeat to Anthony Cacace. Speaking with iFL TV, Hearn admitted that the decision has not yet been decided.
“I don’t know, to be honest with you, it is all quite fresh. So, we will have to see.”
The remainder of the Beterbiev-Bivol card will take place on October 12 as the undisputed light-heavyweight title for the first time since the dawn of the four-belt era, whilst the likes of Jai Opetaia, Chris Eubank Jr. and a rematch between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke appear on the stacked undercard.
Boxing Social is now on WhatsApp! Join our channel by clicking here and getting all the latest boxing news direct to your phone.