By now, everyone must be aware of the fact that Shakur Stevenson is going to face off against a new name this Saturday. Initially, the WBC World Lightweight title bout was slated to feature Stevenson and Floyd Schofield Jr. However, just 3 days before the fight, Kid Austin allegedly fell ill due to “poisoning”, throwing the whole situation into a tailspin. With Schofield out of the picture, the unassuming Josh Padley has stepped into the ring to face the Newark native. The fight will be one of the undercard events of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol rematch.

For Josh Padley, the stakes are sky-high. Reason? It’s his first world title shot after getting the call-up out of the blue. It’s a golden opportunity that could change everything in the blink of an eye. With the fight just one day away, let’s take a closer look at this underdog who’s ready to shake things up.

Josh Padley’s Ethnicity and Nationality

Josh Padley’s roots trace back to Doncaster in Yorkshire, England. His last name, “Padley,” is of English origin, suggesting that his ethnic background is very likely British. Though Padley hasn’t shared specifics about his ethnicity, his connections to Doncaster lead us to believe his ancestry aligns with this heritage.

As for nationality, Padley is undoubtedly British. He proudly represents the United Kingdom as he steps into the ring against the WBC Lightweight Champion in Riyadh. He had earlier won his area title in March 2023 with a win over Jimmy First thus securing the BBBofC Central Area Lightweight championship. While Josh Padley may be stepping into the limelight now, his journey has been anything but ordinary.

More About Josh Padley’s Early Life

What did he do before making his mark in the professional boxing scene? Even today, the 29-year-old works as a part-time electrician. Despite his impeccable 15-0 record, he didn’t immediately embrace boxing full-time due to the sport’s financial uncertainty.

Josh Padley’s story took a dramatic turn in September 2024, when he defeated Mark Chamberlain in an upset victory that thrust him onto the world stage. The fight was part of the Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois undercard at Wembley Stadium. For Padley, this victory was a game-changer. How, you ask? As a result of his win, he earned the No.12 spot on the WBC lightweight rankings.

Now, just 4 months later, after his victory against ‘The Thunder’, Padley has been handed the opportunity to face Shakur Stevenson for the WBC World Lightweight title. It’s a fight he never saw coming.

But even after the September victory, Josh Padley was still unsure if he could fully commit to boxing. He explained to TalkSport that if bigger fights came through, he could leave his day job. At the time, boxing didn’t offer him enough stability for him to quit his electrician role. He revealed, “I will go back into work, and pick my tools back up for Monday after my holiday.” The 29-year-old added, “I’m not here for the payday.” So what does he want?

“I want what comes after the win, the next challenge or title.” However, his girlfriend, Sylvana, may have other plans for his winnings. While talking to talkSPORTS, Josh Padley humorously noted that she’d probably spend it all on home renovations. “Whatever money I make won’t matter because my girlfriend is doing the house up with me, so she will have spent every penny of my purse, no doubt,” he noted humorously.

Despite his relative lack of experience compared to Shakur Stevenson, Padley’s shock victory over Mark Chamberlain proves that he steps and shows out when it matters most. Even though he might not have faced anyone of Shakur’s caliber, given his 15-0, 4 KO record, Paddy might pull off a fight worth watching. With that said, it’s clear that this working-class hero is fighting for more than just a title. He’s fighting to change his life forever.

Do you think Josh Padley has what it takes to upset Shakur Stevenson and win the title? Do share your thoughts with us below.