Brit Joe Cordina denied world title shot on mega-money Saudi card as American pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson cancels bout to undergo hand surgery

British boxer Joe Cordina has been cruelly denied a world title shot after his American opponent suffered a late hand injury that required surgery.

Cordina was set to step in the ring with Shakur Stevenson for a shot at the lightweight world championship on a mega-money backed Saudi Arabia card in October.

However, Stevenson has now withdrawn from the highly-anticipated clash after revealing he has gone under-the-knife for a corrective procedure on a hand injury that occurred in training.

The undefeated American was set to stage his title defence against former junior lightweight titleholder Cordina on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev’s light heavyweight clash against Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh.

However, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has since confirmed the news of Stevenson’s removal from the card on Wednesday after the 27-year-old came out of an operating theatre.

Cordina was set to step in the ring with Shakur Stevenson (pictured) who has now undergone hand surgery

Stevenson was set to defend his lightweight world championship against Cordina in Saudi Arabia

A statement confirming the postponed bout stated: ‘Due to a hand injury sustained by Shakhur Stevenson, he is unable to compete against Joe Cordina on the Beterbiev-Bivol 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.’

Hearn later added: ‘He sent a pic of his hand last night after a sparring session and tore a tendon in his knuckle and had to have immediate surgery so unfortunately is out of the Joe Cordina fight.’

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has since confirmed the news of Stevenson’s removal from the card

Cordina is now searching for a new opponent with Hearn stating that he is attempting to make a ‘big fight’ for the British talent.

Meanwhile, Stevenson posted a post-surgery update on social media where he shared an image of himself sat up in a hospital bed while posing with a thumbs up.

The American looked positive despite the circumstances and revealed the operation went ‘great’ with no complications.

‘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,’ Stevenson said on Instagram.