Injured Stevenson Cancels October Bout with Cordina

WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson will not face Wales' Joe Cordina on October 12 due to hand surgery, BBC reported. The American three-weight champion, who has an unbeaten record of 22 fights including 10 stoppages, was initially set to defend his title for the second time after defeating Artem Harutyunyan in July. The fight was planned to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the undercard for the light-heavyweight world title bout between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

Stevenson announced his withdrawal on Instagram, expressing his disappointment and setting sights on a comeback in 2025. His injury occurred during a training camp in Colorado Springs, where he underwent surgery at the Surgical Center of the Rockies to repair tears to his sagittal band and collateral ligament. He is expected to resume training in six to eight weeks, potentially returning to the ring against Mexico’s unbeaten southpaw William Zepeda in early 2025.

Cordina was training for this significant step up to lightweight after losing his IBF super-featherweight title to Anthony Cacace in May. It remains uncertain if Cordina will remain on the undercard against a new opponent. Eddie Hearn, who promotes both fighters, had applauded Stevenson's skill, labeling him one of the "pound-for-pound greats."

The Riyadh event also features Raven Chapman against Skye Nicholson for the WBC featherweight title, Jack Massey challenging Australian IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, and a rematch between British heavyweight rivals Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke. Additionally, Chris Eubank Jr. faces Kamil Szeremeta in a middleweight clash and light-heavyweight prospect Ben Whittaker looks to extend his unbeaten record against Liam Cameron.

Earlier, SSP reported that Dak Prescott becomes NFL’s highest-paid player with new contract extension.