An damage to three-division world champion Shakur Stevenson has put one other wrench within the Beterbiev vs. Bivol occasion.
WBN discovered early Thursday that Stevenson had suffered a hand damage in coaching camp. This ailment brought on the Newark native to withdraw from his October 12 battle with Joe Cordina in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The setback comes as confusion reigned over the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol important occasion, which was already postponed from June 1. Stevenson vs. Cordina was set because the co-main occasion and the standout battle of the DAZN Pay Per View. Beterbiev vs. Bivol might be broadcast individually for ESPN+ viewers however will stay on DAZN if consumers have bought.
Matchroom launched an announcement on the state of affairs as Stevenson posted a picture of himself in hospital. In response to the data despatched to World Boxing Information, Stevenson underwent surgical procedure on Wednesday in Colorado Springs, the place he has been holding coaching camp, to restore tears to his sagittal band and collateral ligament, which he suffered in coaching.
The assertion learn, “On account of a hand damage sustained by Shakur Stevenson, he can’t compete in opposition to Joe Cordina on the Bivol-Beterbiev undercard on the upcoming Riyadh Season occasion on October 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“The WBC World Light-weight Champion has undergone rapid surgical procedure. After a profitable restoration interval, Stevenson is about to return to the ring in early 2025.”
Stevenson acknowledged, “I’m undoubtedly dissatisfied that I gained’t be capable to battle on October 12. I’ve been tremendous sharp and feeling nice in camp and was planning to placed on a present subsequent month in opposition to Joe Cordina. However I’ve to take heed to the physician and have these accidents fastened instantly in order that I can come again stronger than ever at first of 2025.”
Dr. Ky Kobayashi, who accomplished the surgical procedure on the Surgical Heart of the Rockies, mentioned that the process was profitable, and he expects Stevenson to get better absolutely.
He’ll be capable to resume coaching in six to eight weeks, might be healed, and might be able to face William Zepeda in February. This state of affairs means the Cordina battle is off indefinitely and won’t be rescheduled anytime quickly.
Some followers gained’t be too dissatisfied, although, because the battle raised eyebrows when first introduced.
Matchroom might look to maintain Cordina on the invoice in one other capability. The cardboard appears distinctly weak, although, for a PPV.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Study extra concerning the writer, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Observe on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
