"Eddie Hearn Applauds Floyd Schofield's Courageous Pursuit of Greatness Against Shakur Stevenson"
Eddie Hearn is buzzing about Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield's leap towards greatness as he gears up to challenge Shakur Stevenson on February 22. The 22-year-old Schofield, boasting a record of 18-0 (12 KOs), is set to take on the more seasoned 27-year-old Stevenson, 22-0 (10 KOs), for the WBC lightweight championship. This showdown is part of the Riyadh Season’s February 22 event, headlined by the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol rematch.
Hearn commended Schofield for his bold move in taking on Stevenson, emphasizing the young fighter's desire to push his limits. “I've gotta give massive props to Floyd Schofield because I think Oscar [Schofield’s promoter] is definitely more cautious than not when it comes to his matchmaking,” said Hearn. He praised Schofield for his courage in seeking challenges, chasing big paydays, and wanting to test his skills against a tough opponent like Stevenson.
The decision to face Stevenson may have ruffled some feathers, potentially in response to Golden Boy Promotions’ Oscar De La Hoya. De La Hoya’s fighter, Stevenson, found himself without a dance partner after William Zepeda's injury, leading Schofield to step up and seize the opportunity for a career-defining bout.
Hearn was impressed by Schofield’s willingness to take on Stevenson despite De La Hoya's reservations. He highlighted the competitive edge and hunger displayed by both undefeated American fighters, making this matchup a tantalizing prospect for boxing fans.
In the fast-paced world of boxing, opportunities like this don’t come around often, and Schofield’s decision to challenge Stevenson showcases his determination to reach the top, no matter the odds. This clash of rising stars promises fireworks and sets the stage for an electrifying showdown.
Bernard Neequaye, a seasoned sports journalist specializing in boxing, has provided insightful coverage of the sport for years. Connect with him for more boxing insights and updates.