UBO Flashback: When UBO Title-Win Started The "Rocky Story Rise" Of Josh Padley

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FEBRUARY 20, 2025 / BY BY UBO PRESS OFFICER

On Saturday, February 22, he will fight Shakur Stevenson for the WBC World Lightweight title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on what is by many considered the best fight-card of all time, on four days notice.

A short notice assignment against a big star, given to a part-time boxer who nobody expects to win. It rings a few “Rocky Story bells”, but unlike the fictional Philadelphia heavyweight, Padley has actually proven his class before the big opportunity.

An electrician by day, Padley, now 15-0 (4), ventured into enemy territory to become UBO champion, stopping undefeated local man Lydon Chircop in six rounds in St. Julians, Malta.

It was a dominant performance, and the biggest win for the Englishman up until that point. But it was only the beginning of his breakthrough.

Last September he raised more eyebrows when he defeated highly regarded contender Mark Chamberlain (15-0) by unanimous decision on the Daniel Dubois vs. Anthony Joshua undercard at Wembley Stadium in London.

While not on short notice, it was a huge upset as Chamberlain appeared on a fast-track towards a world title-shot. But “Paddy” had other plans, and won convincingly.

Now he is getting an even bigger fight, and undoubtedly the biggest pay-day of his career, as he is stepping in to face one of the best boxers in the world in Stevenson, replacing American Floyd Schofield who has fallen ill.

Padley will be a huge underdog, again. He was not expected to beat Chircop, at least not by the Maltese fans, and he was definitely not expected to beat Chamberlain.

Rocky didn't beat Apollo in their first fight, so just a good performance could be considered “a real Rocky Story”, but Padley will be looking for more than that, and aim for the result of the rematch...where Rocky wins...