Make no mistake: while Josh Padley knew he was being installed as the supposed loser to unbeaten Portsmouth big man Mark Chamberlain, the little-known 28-year-old, an electrician by trade, didn’t turn up for the opening game of the Wembley Edition cannon fodder.
The pocket rocket sparked an upset win as Chamberlain’s so-called “biggest fan,” Turki Al-Alshikh, watched along with a few increasingly amazed players, busy shooting up in every way.
Not only was he fighting for future titles and a dose of respect, this career-best achievement also sent Padley skyrocketing Boxing News British lightweight rankings from ninth to third.
Now they sit behind Maxi Hughes and Sam Noakes, although the fight was officially held at 140, both men’s next move could be a formal inclusion in the super lightweight division, such is the complexity of non-title matters in terms of long term plans.
Regardless, Padley’s request for any interested promoters to get in touch will now surely be answered with a deserved big show.
Unknown to many before his debut in the Riyadh season, Padley comfortably increased his weight and used accurate tactics over ten rounds to scatter, confuse and bewilder Chamberlain for much of the contest. The Armthorpe man even joked beforehand that he had boxed in smaller rooms than the one where the pre-fight press conference took place.
After taking Chamberlain to the canvas in round eight and benefiting from a point deduction bonus in round nine, Josh secured a unanimous decision victory and has now become a credible player at 140, 135 or even 130.
