JOSH PADLEY insists that any decision on future fights will come down to what is best for his career.
The one-time world lightweight title challenger comes down to super-featherweight on Saturday night to take on the former British 130lbs champion Reece Bellotti in an intriguing bout at Sheffield Arena. Padley’s move to super-feather will represent the lowest weight he will have fought at in his six year career.
After paying his dues on the small hall circuit Padley’s life changed when he upset Mark Chamberlain at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. The Doncaster boxer was then called up to face premier talent Shakur Stevenson eight months ago. Padley, who replaced Floyd Schofield at short notice, gave a commendable performance but was eventually stopped in the ninth round by the WBC champion.
In an interview with Boxing News the 29-year-old reflected on those two fights which led to a promotional deal with Matchroom several days after the loss to Stevenson.
“It just feels nice that all the hard work – when I was going unnoticed on the small halls – has now paid off and I’m exactly where I want to be,” Padley said. “My whole life revolves around boxing now. I don’t need to worry about trying to fit it in around work and earning a wage. I earn a wage through boxing.”
His next opponent Bellotti came up short in his last fight against European champion Ryan Garner who comprehensively beat the Watford warrior with a 12th round stoppage after a dominant performance. Should Padley add another win to his record tomorrow night in Sheffield then a future fight against the WBC #5 contender.
“Whatever fight does best for my career I’m interested in,” the WBA #6 contender said.
“If it is the Garner fight next, then so be it. I know he’s just been ordered to fight his mandatory challenger [Jaouad Belmehdi], so he might be tied up.”
Now fighting at super-featherweight, and hailing from Doncaster, a potential Yorkshire derby against Leeds’ Josh Warrington could also be another option in Padley’s future. Warrington may be one or two fights from retirement but still hopes to land a rematch with rival Leigh Wood in the future.
“I don’t know if Warrington would be looking for a bigger name [than me] for his send-off,” Padley said.
“But again, if that’s the fight that does best for my career, best financial situation – and he’s an ex-world champion – then that’s the fight I’m interested in.”
