Shakur Stevenson and Floyd Schofield are nearing an agreement to fight for Stevenson’s WBC lightweight title.
It had been reported that they were in contention to feature on the undercard of the proposed rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 22 and, according to Schofield’s promoter Oscar De La Hoya, the 22-year-old Schofield has accepted the terms offered to him.
De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions oversaw Gilberto Ramirez’s victory over Chris Billam-Smith at the same venue in November, and he posted on social media: “Kid Austin is officially the most badass prospect fighter today. Kid officially accepts to fight Shakur Stevenson let’s go!”
Schofield, from Austin, had by then already posted: “We got the contract… done deal.”
Stevenson, 27 and previously on course to fight William Zepeda – like Schofield another Golden Boy fighter – wrote to De La Hoya: “Finally you talking some sense. Him first then I knock Zepeda off next. Sorry in advance my guy – you are a legend to me in the boxing ring!”
The General Entertainment Authority has promised to soon reveal details regarding the promotion to follow Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury II on December 21. Vergil Ortiz Jnr and Jaron “Boots” Ennis, however, despite reports to the contrary, will not fight each other on that promotion.