Yorkshire Lightweight Josh Padley has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing following his valiant display against WBC World Champion Shakur Stevenson on the blockbuster Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 undercard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last weekend.

The 29-year-old from the village of Armthorpe stepped in to face pound-for-pound star Stevenson at just four days' notice after the American's original opponent Floyd Schofield withdrew from their contest following an illness during fight week.

Despite the odds being stacked against him, 'Paddy' made Stevenson work for nine rounds before eventually succumbing to a series of vicious body shots, skyrocketing his stock and earning him a dream promotional deal with Matchroom.

Padley (15-1, 4 KOs) became one of the stories of the week in Saudi Arabia, going from installing solar panels as an electrician on Tuesday to fighting one of the best fighters on the planet on one of the biggest cards the world has ever seen.

With promotional powerhouse Matchroom now behind him, the Jason Cunningham-trained and Thomas Stalker-managed fighter has quit his day job as an electrician to pursue his goal of becoming a World Champion.

"The dream has finally come true," said Padley. "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."

"I love great stories and there aren't many better than the story of Josh Padley," said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. "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."