Three-division titleholder Shakur Stevenson injured his right hand and was forced to pull out of his upcoming WBC lightweight title defense against Joe Cordina.
The bout is scheduled to co-feature the Ring/Undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship between Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol at the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 12.
The precociously talented American hurt his right hand in training. Stevenson (22-0, 10 knockouts) had surgery Wednesday at the Surgical Center of the Rockies to repair tears to his sagittal ligament and collateral ligament.
“I’m definitely disappointed that I won’t be able to fight on October 12,” Stevenson said in a press release. “I was very sharp and feeling great in camp and was planning to put on a show against Joe Cordina next month. But I have to listen to the doctor and get these injuries fixed right away so I can come back stronger than ever at the start of 2025.”
I appreciate @turk_alalshikh and @EddieHearn for the incredible opportunity to fight on Riyadh season card, Unfortunately my hand gave out on me but 2025 Let’s jump back and take over boxing
#ChasingGreatness
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) September 12, 2024
It is believed Stevenson will now go straight to a mandatory defense against William Zepeda. Their match is targeted for next February, provided Zepeda defeats Tevin Farmer on November 16th.
A new opponent is being sought for Cordina as it goes to publication.
Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at (email protected).
