Shakur Stevenson hoped for a war of words but was forced to settle for a one-man show.

The Ring’s No. 3 lightweight contender took aim at the absence of Floyd Schofield, against whom Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) will defend his WBC lightweight title. The two were scheduled to be part of Monday’s launch press conference at Outernet London to promote the Feb. 22 Riyadh Season show at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Schofield (18-0, 12 KOs) was unable to make the trip due to a passport issue which was since resolved. It didn’t prevent Stevenson from taking a few shots at his unbeaten 22-year-old challenger.

“He definitely made a mistake,” Stevenson said of Schofield’s decision to push for the fight. “He’s a good young fighter, a hungry fighter.

“I hope he still takes the fight. I’m a little worried because he’s not here. I was kind of excited to see him.”

Stevenson-Schofield is part of a loaded card in Riyadh, topped by the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol RING/undisputed light heavyweight championship rematch.

Stevenson will attempt the second defense of the WBC 135-pound title he won in a Nov. 2023 twelve-round, unanimous decision over Edwin De Los Santos (16-2, 14 KOs). The 2016 Olympic Silver medalist has also won titles at featherweight and junior lightweight, and is generally regarded as among the top fighters in the world.

Schofield has only just begun the transition from blue chip prospect to rising contender. At one point, even promoter Oscar De La Hoya was hesitant to green light his fighter’s demands to line up a title fight with Stevenson.

Many were looking forward to the back-and-forth exchange that would’ve likely come had both fighters been on hand Monday. Stevenson can now only hope that Schofield makes his way abroad for their actual fight.

“Don’t get butterflies and pull out the fight,” quipped Stevenson. “I know you’re dealing with a lot. Just show up.”

Stevenson has gone the distance in four of his past five starts and in all but one of his six career title fights spanning three divisions. He has promised to step up his game on that front versus the lesser experienced Schofield.

“It looks like me putting on my offensive bag,” Stevenson envisioned of their forthcoming showdown. “Letting my hands go and beating guys up. That’s what I’m coming to do come February 22.”