Shakur Stevenson last competed on July 6, where he defended the WBC Lightweight (135 lb) Championship against Artem Harutyunyan. Stevenson retained the title via unanimous decision.
After turning down a contract extension with Top Rank, Stevenson (22-0) signed a two-fight deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom. The 27-year-old was supposed to fight Joe Cordina on October 12. However, the match had to be canceled due to Stevenson suffering a hand injury.
Matchroom issued the following statement:
“Due to a hand injury sustained by Shakur Stevenson, he is unable to compete against Joe Cordina on the Bivol-Beterbiev undercard at the upcoming Riyadh Season event on October 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The WBC World Lightweight Champion has undergone immediate surgery.
After a successful period of recovery, Stevenson is set to return to the ring in early 2025.”
On Wednesday, Shakur Stevenson successfully underwent surgery to repair tears to his sagittal band and collateral ligament. The WBC Lightweight Champion stated the following on Instagram:
“God works in mysterious ways thru the ups and downs I’m steady hungry and motivated more then ever. 2025 gone be my best year yet. Surgery went great it’s a minor set back for a major comeback 🎯 #ChasingGreatness”
In an interview with ESPN, Stevenson said, “I am definitely disappointed that I won’t be able to fight on Oct. 12. I have been super sharp and feeling great in camp and was planning to put on a show next month against Joe Cordina. But I have to listen to the doctor and have these injuries fixed immediately so that I can come back stronger than ever at the start of 2025.”