Dramatic Boxing Night: Champions Stevenson and Parker Triumph

Shakur Stevenson successfully defended his WBC lightweight title by defeating Josh Padley in the ninth round. Padley, a British electrician, joined last minute as a replacement for Floyd Schofield. Meanwhile, Joseph Parker defeated Martin Bakole, another late replacement, in the second round of their WBO Interim fight.

In an exhilarating night of boxing, three-time world champion Shakur Stevenson retained his WBC lightweight title on Sunday by halting British boxer Josh Padley at the end of nine rounds. Padley, an electrician thrust into the spotlight on just three days' notice, offered a spirited performance that nonetheless proved insufficient against Stevenson's prowess.

Padley, from Yorkshire, had been busy on a solar panel installation when he received the unexpected call to fight Stevenson as a late substitute for the ailing Floyd Schofield. Despite an admirable effort, Padley fell three times, leading his team to throw in the towel. Stevenson's record now stands at an unblemished 23-0.

In another bout, former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker quickly dispatched Martin Bakole in two rounds during their WBO Interim fight. Bakole stepped in last minute for Daniel Dubois, who withdrew due to illness. Eager for a world title shot, Parker is now eyeing a bout against champion Oleksandr Usyk.

(With inputs from agencies.)