Australia’s super featherweight star Liam Wilson could be fighting for a world title by the first third of 2023, and on home soil, after a stunning scales mishap by reigning WBC and WBO champion Shakur Stevenson.
Fox Sports Australia can reveal Wilson’s promoter, No Limit Boxing, is already preparing for the 26-year-old Queenslander to potentially land a shock title shot after Stevenson missed weight for his fight against Robson Conceicao in New Jersey Saturday (AEST).
The undefeated American, who missed by 0.72kg, not only relinquished both belts on the scales, but then revealed afterwards that he would be moving up in weight moving forward.
All of which means Wilson could get first shot at the WBO strap early in 2023.
Speaking within minutes of the weigh-in bungle on Friday, No Limit CEO George Rose said the bizarre situation had potentially “fast-tracked” Wilson to a title shot.
If that happens, Rose will push for the bout to be in Australia.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Liam Wilson is going to be Australia’s next male world champion after Tim Tszyu,” Rose said.
“Liam is the most dangerous fighter in Australian boxing and the world is about to learn it for themselves.”
The WBO is expected to make its decision in coming weeks, depending on the outcome of the fight.
Prior to the weigh-in bungle, Wilson was at No.4 in the WBO rankings.
Sharp was the No.1 contender, with Conceicao at two and Valdez three.
Given the events of Friday, only Conceicao can now win the title in the weekend’s fight.
Quizzed on the scales mishap, Rose continued: “I was stunned a pound-for-pound, multiple world champion like Stevenson missed weight.
“But with him looking to move up to 135 pounds anyways, it’s fast-tracked Liam’s shot at the world title in early 2023.
“And with all due respect to the division, there’s no way Archie Sharp or Oscar Valdez could withstand Liam’s left hook from hell. Which is why we are so bullish that he’s a world champion in waiting.”
Stevenson confirmed on Twitter that he will no longer compete at 130 pounds, with the 25-year-old adamant said cut was no longer healthy for him.
“I gave it my all,” Stevenson said. “I’ve been professional my whole career and made weight, but my body just can’t make 130 anymore. My health has to come first.”
