The fight between Shakur Stevenson and Joe Cordina, scheduled for October 12 in Riyadh for the WBC lightweight world title, as part of the undercard for Beterbiev vs Bivol, has been canceled. A right-hand injury sustained by Stevenson required immediate surgery, leading to the inevitable cancellation of the fight.
Contacted by BoxingScene.com journalist Kieran Mulvaney, British promoter Eddie Hearn stated the following:
“Shakur damaged his hand yesterday and went to the doctor, had a scan, tore a tendon in his knuckle. Had to have immediate surgery”.
According to Matchroom Boxing, the American boxer will be ready to return to the ring in early 2025, where he will most likely face mandatory challenger William Zepeda.
As for Cordina, Hearn mentioned that an alternative and appealing offer would be made to him soon:
“We’re gonna make him a big fight. We’ll speak to Spencer Brown, who’s working with Joe as well, and see if we can make a big fight.”