Shakur Stevenson Injured, Out of Oct. 12 Fight in Riyadh

Shakur Stevenson, the WBC lightweight champion, has withdrawn from his scheduled fight against Joe Cordina on October 12 due to a hand injury. The injury, which involved a torn tendon, required immediate surgical intervention, and Stevenson announced his situation via Instagram. He expressed his determination to recover and remain motivated, looking forward to 2025 as a pivotal year in his career. This fight was intended to be Stevenson's debut under Matchroom Boxing, following a two-fight deal aimed at elevating his professional trajectory. Matchroom's Eddie Hearn confirmed the severity of the injury, indicating that if a rematch can be arranged, it might take place in early 2025, potentially as part of a significant boxing event. The fight was expected to be a key part of a larger card, which still features a main event for the undisputed light heavyweight championship between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Hearn's comments suggest that the boxing community is keen to see Stevenson return to the ring as soon as possible. The October 12 card will proceed without Stevenson, and there is speculation about whether additional fights will be added to fill the gap left by his absence. The injury not only impacts Stevenson’s immediate plans but also raises questions about the future of his partnership with Matchroom and how it will affect his career trajectory moving forward. As Stevenson focuses on recovery, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this setback influences his return and the potential for future matchups in 2025. The boxing world remains hopeful for his swift recovery and return to form.