Sometimes the bad luck of another boxer is your luck.
Stephan Shaw was scheduled to take on fellow prospect heavyweight Guido Vianello in a game titled Efe Ajagba and Oscar Rivas heavyweights on Saturday night in Verona, New York (ESPN, ESPN+).
However, Rivas had to withdraw a few weeks before the event due to an eye injury. That led to the biggest opportunity of Shaw’s career, who has yet to face a big-name opponent in his decade-long career.
“I was just scrolling through social media, I was looking at BoxingScene.com and saw that Rivas had withdrawn from the match,” Shaw said at a press conference on Thursday. “My people hit me and asked me, do I want to be a substitute? I said abso-f — ing-lutely.
“Sorry for my French but that’s what I said. The battle was done. And here we are.”
Shaw (18-0, 13 KOs) followed his grandfather (coach) and father (boxer) into the sport. He was one of the most amateur heavyweights in the early 2010s before turning pro in 2013.
The 6-foot-4 boxer from St. Louis has maintained an impeccable track record but you are probably not familiar with many of his opponents. And Saturday’s game will only be his scheduled second 10-round match, which is unusual for someone who has been here as long as Shaw.
That’s why he jumped at the chance to take on Ajagba (16-1, 13 KOs) in a main event on ESPN and ESPN+.
“I have God with me,” he said. “God created all the situations that I have faced in my entire career and he made it happen. I was faced with adversity that an ordinary man would not be able to handle. Coming from St. Louis, defeat all odds and be on this stage to enjoy your moment. I feel great. I am very excited.”
“I am a third generation fighter. I’m looking to be a world champion. Saturday night, I will make my mark.”
