Topics: Boxing
The father of the boxer who claimed his son was poised ahead of the biggest fighter of his career has been issued a new statement on the matter.
On Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a stacked boxing card will see Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker for the IBF heavyweight title, as well as the mammoth undisputed light heavyweight rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
However, the event has been plunged into chaos after one of the other world title fights on the bill was cancelled.
WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson was poised to defend his belt, with 22-year-old Floyd Schofield getting a huge opportunity on the big stage.
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Days before, Schofield fell ill and had to go hospital, resulting in the British Boxing Board of Control (BBOC) pulling him from the card.
But in a post on his official X account, said to be controlled by the boxer's father and trainer, Floyd Schofield Snr, it was claimed that he had been poisoned by a "Shakar massage lady" who he stated "wiped a cream on my son".
However, the accusations are no longer being made - with the account taking to Instagram to post two statements thanking both Turki Alalshikh and Stevenson, who they say "we do not believe you played part in this" - while issuing an update on Schofield's condition.
The post read: "Allah is good! Thank you to Your Excellency for taking care of my son. We are indebted to you and your staff.
"Thank you @shakurstevenson for the opportunity; I am sorry we were not able to share the ring, hopefully in the future. We do not believe you played part in this. We still respect you and wish you well in your up and coming fight.
"Thank you @oscardelahoya and @goldenboy for the opportunity."
A second statement was written on WhatsApp, thanking fans for their prayers and His Excellency and host Rakan for their support while revealing Schofield is set to be released.
The message said: "Floyd is doing better and will be released this evening. I would like to thank everyone for their prays [sic]. I also would like to thank Your Excellency for the hospitality and great support.
"Our host RaKan has been amazing. He has been at the hospital with us and very supportive in honor of Your Excellency.
"We look forward returning and putting on a great show after Floyd recover. God is good thank you everyone. Peace be unto you. One thing great about this trip is
"Floyd pick his faith to become Muslim so something good did come from this trip."
Continuing to the backtrack, the account said that there is no blame attached towards Stevenson and his team - with hope that the fight can still happen down the line.
A final post from @KidAustin11 said: "In all due respect we cannot blame Shakur or his team. I believe Shakur wanted to really fight KID.
"We wish Shakur and his team success. I hope we can fight in the near future. All things are forgiven."
In his first comment since the allegations, a sceptical Stevenson said, "They like to come up with all types of crazy stuff" during an interview with the Ring Magazine.
Schofield's replacement has been announced swiftly, with the unbeaten Josh Padley filling on on short notice.
