Shakur Stevenson vs. Padley: Odds, Live Stream and KO, Judges' Scorecards Predictions

Shakur Stevenson will look to defend his title against a surprise opponent on Saturday in Riyadh when he takes on Josh Padley in a WBC lightweight title fight on a jam-packed main card.

The Stevenson fight is one of seven championship fights slated for Saturday. The card will conclude with the rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight title.

That should bring plenty of eyeballs to Stevenson's latest title defense. However, fans were expecting to see Stevenson put his title on the line against 22-year-old Floyd Schofield Jr.

Schofield Jr. withdrew from the bout due to illness three days before the fight. Now undefeated Josh Padley draws the opportunity on short notice to attempt to spoil a rising star's title reign.

Fight Odds, Schedule and Scorecard Predictions

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When: Saturday, February 22 at 11:45 p.m. ET (ring walks expected around 3:30 p.m. ET)

Where: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Live Stream: DAZN

Tickets: Vivid Seats

Odds: Stevenson -4000 ($4,000 bet wins $100); Padley +1500 ($100 bet wins $1,500)

Prediction: Stevenson via unanimous decision (119-109 x3)

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Fight Preview

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Stevenson would have been a massive favorite even if Schofield wouldn't have withdrawn from the fight. His skills have allowed him to cruise past most of his opponents and Schofield probably didn't have the goods to really push the champ.

However, the late opponent switch has Stevenson coming into the fight as an even bigger favorite.

Padley is a relatively unknown unbeaten British boxer. His 15-0 record is highlighted by an upset win over Mark Chamberlain in his latest action. His workrate allowed him to pull off the win against Chamberlain.

It's going to take a lot more than pace to have a shot at stunning Stevenson.

The champion might not get the most finishes, but he's proven that his skills are legitimate. Stevenson's speed, ringcraft and defensive IQ make make him a tough fighter to figure out.

That's going to be especially true for Padley. The 29-year-old should be commended for his willingness to step up against an elite fighter on short notice, but he's also still working as an electrician during the day while training at night.

"It was a standard week, working the day job. Obviously still training the boxing because that is what I live and breathe. Tuesday night the dream phone call would come in .. world title shot, Shakur Stevenson on late notice. Can you do it? I went 'yes please,'" he said, per James Regan of ESPN.

Ultimately, this fight is a way for Padley to make some good money, Stevenson to remain active and those behind the card to keep the event completely intact.

Expect Stevenson to control the fight the whole time. The only intrigue will be in whether Stenvenson can finish the job while putting a dominant show.

There's little doubt that he'll win this fight and look good doing it. However, he hasn't finished a fight since moving up to lightweight.