Josh Padley has followed his fight with Shakur Stevenson by agreeing promotional terms with Matchroom.

The 29 year old was recruited as a late-notice replacement for Floyd Schofield as the challenger to the WBC lightweight champion on February 22, and after impressing off the back of having only four days to prepare for one of the world’s finest fighters, his career will be guided by the same promotional organisation guiding Stevenson’s.

“The dream has finally come true,” said Padley, who was previously also employed as an electrician. “I’m looking forward to hanging the work boots up and fully dedicating my life to boxing. 

“I can’t wait for the huge nights ahead with the Matchroom team. The best Josh Padley is yet to come.

“I’m going to give this sport everything that I have now. It’s only a short career you get in boxing. It almost feels like I didn’t lose the fight with Shakur because everyone has got behind me so much. That was four days’ notice. I know I’ll be better next time I get my world-title shot.”

In Cuba’s Andy Cruz, Matchroom and Eddie Hearn also work with another of the world’s leading lightweights, and the promoter said: “I love great stories and there aren’t many better than the story of Josh Padley. Josh rolled the dice and stepped in with one of the greatest talents on the planet at just four days’ notice, and although he fell short to a pound-for-pound superstar on the night, he has completely transformed his life. 

“With the purse he received from his brave showing against Stevenson and the backing of Matchroom, Josh can now put all of his focus on his boxing career – pursuing his dream of earning another world-title shot and winning a world title.”

The Britain-based promotional organisation GBM had made an offer to Padley to fight Maxi Hughes.