Stevenson Defends Title Against Schofield in Saudi Arabia Showdown

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Gearing up for one of the biggest boxing nights of the year, WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson is set to defend his title against undefeated challenger Floyd Schofield on February 22 at Kingdom Arena. This matchup is part of a prestigious fight card dubbed ‘The Last Crescendo,’ which features seven title fights, including a highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs), a former Olympic silver medalist, has quickly risen through the ranks since turning pro in 2017. He first claimed the WBO featherweight crown in 2019 before moving up to super featherweight and eventually lightweight. In his latest bout in July 2024, Stevenson successfully defended his WBC lightweight title against Artem Harutyunyan. Meanwhile, Schofield (18-0, 12 KOs), at just 22 years old and known for his aggressive style, will be challenging for his first world title.

Despite Schofield’s impressive knockout record, the odds heavily favor Stevenson, who opened as a -850 favorite, which has since shifted to -1250. Schofield, now a +700 underdog, remains undaunted. The young fighter expressed his determination and confidence, stating, “He’s no threat to me. I wouldn’t have taken the fight if I didn’t feel that way.”

At the latest press event, Stevenson commented on the weight of the expectations placed upon him as the defending champion. “I’m the best fighter on the card,” he said. “I’m must-see TV, and everyone wants to watch me.” Stevenson, who lost titles due to missing weight in his last fight against Robson Conceicao, is focused on making a statement against Schofield.

For Schofield, this title bout represents a major opportunity to catapult his career. “I’m training and getting my sparring in. Everyone is going to see what I can do,” he declared, despite the heightened stakes that come with fighting an accomplished champion like Stevenson.

The match promises to be an intriguing clash of styles. Stevenson, known for his defensive skills and counter-punching, will look to neutralize Schofield’s aggressive approach. While Schofield’s forward momentum can yield power shots, it also exposes vulnerabilities that Stevenson could exploit.

The fight will feature additional drama as both fighters are aware of the stakes involved. Should Stevenson succeed, he may further assert his dominance in the lightweight division. Conversely, a victory for Schofield would not only mark a milestone in his young career but also signify a critical upset against an established champion.

For now, the boxing world is abuzz with speculation on the outcomes of this matchup, but one fact remains clear: both Stevenson and Schofield are determined to make their mark on this monumental fight card. With anticipation building, fans will be eager to see if Stevenson can defend his title or if Schofield can claim victory in a stunning upset.

More updates on the Stevenson vs. Schofield matchup are expected as February 22 approaches, alongside other title fights on ‘The Last Crescendo’ card.