Make no mistake, while Josh Padley knew he was seen as a scapegoat for undefeated Portsmouth banger Mark Chamberlain, the little-known 28-year-old, an electrician by trade, would not be coming to the opening of the Wembley edition as cannon fodder.
Sparking an earth-shattering victory, with Chamberlain's self-styled “biggest fan” Turki Al-Alshikh looking on, accompanied by a handful of increasingly stunned punters, the pocket rocket was busy blasting upwards in all the senses.
Not only was he fighting for future titles and a dose of respect, but this career-best success allowed Padley to skyrocket. Boxing News UK lightweight ranking ninth to third.
Now sitting behind Maxi Hughes and Sam Noakes, although the fight was officially held at 140, either man's next move could see formal inclusion at welterweight, such is the complexity of the business untitled in relation to long-term plans.
Either way, Padley's call to 'contact us' to any interested promoters will now surely be answered with a deserved big payday for the show.
Unloved by many prior to his Riyadh season debut, Padley comfortably increased his weight and used precise tactics over the course of 10 rounds to dissipate, confuse and confuse Chamberlain for long periods of the competition. The Armthorpe man has even previously joked that he had boxed in smaller venues than the one hosting the pre-fight press conference.
After dropping Chamberlain to the canvas in the eighth round and enjoying a point deduction bonus in the ninth round, Josh earned a unanimous decision victory and has now established himself as a credible player at 140, 135 or even 130.
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