Cuban fighter Jadier Herrera is emerging as a potential contender to face WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson in a sudden face-off scheduled for this Saturday, February 22nd, in Riyadh. This comes in the wake of Stevenson’s initial opponent, Floyd Schofield, withdrawing due to illness.
According to Ariel Helwani, the decision is currently between the 14th WBC-rated lightweight, Jadier Herrera, and Josh Padley for Stevenson’s next matchup, set to take place on the Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 event’s stage at the Kingdom Arena. While Padley, sporting a record of 15-0 with 4 KOs, has talent, he doesn’t quite match the capabilities of Herrera, a naturally gifted southpaw, despite his recent triumph over Mark Chamberlain.
Herrera presents a formidable challenge for Stevenson, being a technically skilled fighter with impressive power, particularly from his left hand—a move reminiscent of super middleweight Osley Iglesias. His potential to land a knockout punch makes him a more intimidating opponent than Schofield. If promoter Eddie Hearn is willing to accept the risk, Herrera could be a remarkable substitute and undeniably a more exciting choice.
Hearn also has 2020 Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz at his disposal as a possible replacement. Cruz matches Shakur’s skill level and brings additional power and flair to his fights. Either contender could realistically pose a significant threat to Stevenson, prompting Hearn to weigh his options carefully.
In a recent discussion on Ariel Helwani’s YouTube channel, commentator Ade Oladipo noted the challenges of finding a suitable opponent at short notice. “Three days is a very tight turnaround for anyone to be ready to face Shakur Stevenson, who is already in peak condition,” Oladipo remarked. He also hoped for Padley to get a shot, given his notable upset against Chamberlain last year at Wembley. “Padley’s been great as a lightweight, but usually, these guys cut down from heavier weights. It’s hard to say where he’s at right now,” he added.
In this whirlwind of last-minute arrangements, the boxing community waits eagerly to see which fighter will step into the ring against Stevenson. The decision remains crucial not only for this event but for the fighters’ future career trajectories.
