Padley signs with Matchroom after last-second Stevenson save

Josh Padley has joined forces with Eddie Hearn after stepping up to face Shakur Stevenson on three days’ notice last week

Though he fell well short against Shakur Stevenson last Saturday, lightweight Josh Padley has received a consolation prize in the form of a Matchroom contract.

Padley (15-1, 4 KO), who works as an electrician in addition to his boxing career, sprang a noteworthy upset on Mark Chamberlain last September to break into the boxing mainstream. When Floyd Schofield withdrew on late notice before a planned showdown with Stevenson, Padley answered the call with a mere three days to prepare.

That predictably didn’t go well for him, as a seemingly injured Stevenson broke him down with body shots en route to a ninth-round stoppage, but it’s nice to see his efforts be rewarded.

“The dream has finally come true,” said Padley. “I’m looking forward to hanging the work boots up and fully dedicating my life to boxing.

“I can’t wait for the huge nights ahead with the Matchroom team. The best Josh Padley is yet to come.

“I’m going to give this sport everything that I have now. It’s only a short career you get in boxing. It almost feels like I didn’t lose the fight with Shakur because everyone has got behind me so much. That was four days’ notice. I know I’ll be better next time I get my world-title shot.”