WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson has pulled out of his scheduled fight against Wales’ Joe Cordina on October 12 after undergoing hand surgery. Stevenson, a three-weight world champion, was set to make his second defense of the lightweight belt, which he won in July against Artem Harutyunyan.
Stevenson announced his withdrawal on social media, saying, “Unfortunately my hand gave out on me but in 2025 let’s bounce back and take over boxing.” The fight was part of the undercard for the light-heavyweight world-title clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Stevenson, 27, remains unbeaten in his professional career, boasting a record of 22 wins with 10 knockouts. He recently signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom, who also promotes Cordina. Cordina, 32, was making an ambitious move to lightweight after losing his undefeated record and IBF super-featherweight title to Anthony Cacace in May.
The Riyadh card also features other notable matchups: Raven Chapman will challenge WBC featherweight champion Skye Nicholson, Jack Massey will face IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, and a rematch between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke for the British heavyweight title will take place after their first encounter ended in a draw. Additionally, Chris Eubank Jr. will fight Kamil Szeremeta, and rising light-heavyweight Ben Whittaker will look to maintain his unbeaten streak against Liam Cameron.
