Josh Padley’s Major Victory and Weight Class Decision
In September, Josh Padley scored an impressive victory over Mark Chamberlain in the junior welterweight division, marking his second consecutive win at this weight class. However, Padley doesn’t intend to stay in this division long-term. “I’m not staying at 140, because the fighters in this division are truly bigger,” Padley shared with Regan Slaymaker of International Boxing News. The fight, held at Wembley Stadium as part of the main event Daniel Dubois vs. Anthony Joshua, was initially scheduled at lightweight. But Padley had to adjust to fight at the 140-pound limit. As a result, he knocked down Chamberlain in the eighth round and won on points, landing him in the top 15 of both the WBO and IBF rankings, making him eligible for a title shot in the near future.
Plans for the Lightweight Division
After his victory, Padley set his sights on returning to the lightweight division, where he feels strongest and most comfortable. This fiercely competitive weight class includes prominent champions such as Vasiliy Lomachenko (IBF), Denys Berinchyk (WBO), Gervonta Davis (WBA), and Shakur Stevenson (WBC). Though he hasn’t chosen his next opponent yet, Padley has been suggested potential matchups with lightweight contenders like Gary Cully, who is set to face Maxi Hughes in December, and Sam Noakes, who recently defeated Gianluca Ceglia. Padley is weighing his options, awaiting the right opportunity to progress further in this challenging lightweight category.
Returning to lightweight will require Padley to adapt to the demands of this weight class with its powerful and talented opponents. He’ll need rigorous training to re-adjust, and fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will perform among the elite in this division, where a title shot could be within reach if he maintains his form.
