Josh Padley aims to use the stage at Sheffield Arena to head towards a world title and repay Matchroom's confidence in him.

The Armthorpe super featherweight earned global attention as a last-minute replacement for WBC world lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson in Riyadh in February.

The then-full-time electrician accepted the fight but negotiated a further one-fight deal, as part of the package.

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn was so impressed by his plucky performance in Saudi Arabia’s capital - and his previous track record - that he extended it by two more.

"That was music to my ears," said Josh, who takes on Watford's Reece Bellotti on the Dave Allen v Arslanbek Makhmudov undercard on Saturday.

"I hope it can be the start of a long relationship."

Being on Matchroom's books could lead to huge title fights, as long as he gets the better of Bellotti in the WBA International title ten-rounder.

"I came up through small hall shows, where there was no TV, banquet suites and leisure centres," said Padley.

Josh Padley during a Media Workout ahead of his upcoming fight Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

placeholder image — Josh Padley during a Media Workout ahead of his upcoming fight Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Now, there should be big money as well as a widening of his profile, should he add to his 16 victories, in a career that began with a loss at the Magna Centre, Rotherham in 2017.

One website has suggested Padley earned half a million dollars for the Stevenson fight, and his second biggest payday was a win over Mark Chamberlain at Wembley Stadium, Wembley on the Daniel Dubois v Anthony Joshua bill last year.

His upward trajectory means he has not found himself toiling away on electrics in the roof space of a house in Shiregreen - which is where he was at the moment the Stevenson offer arrived.

"I don't know how much I've earned, I'd have to ask my accountant," he says.

Josh Padley stopped Marko Cvetanovic, in a WBA International Lightweight Title bout, Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

"I feel blessed - it shows hard work pays off."

The Arena card also includes a fascinating rematch between Junaid Bostan and Bilal Fawaz, for the English super welterweight title.

And Conisbrough southpaw Joe Hayden will be looking to progress his record to 20-straight wins.

THE BILL David Allen (24 7 2) Conisbrough, v Arslanbek Makhmudov (20 2 0) Russia, heavyweight Josh Padley (16 1 0) Doncaster, v Reece Bellotti (20 6 0) Watford, super feather Junaid Bostan (10 0 1) Rotherham, v Bilal Fawaz (9 1 1) London, super welter Joe Hayden (19-0-0) Conisbrough v Angelo Dragone, Wales, super lightweight Hamza Uddin (5 0 0) Walsall, v Paul Roberts (22 6 0) Watford, fly Ibraheem Sulaimaan (8 0 0) Birmingham, v James Chereji (22 6 0) Romania, super feather Conner Tudsbury (2 0 0) Manchester, v Khalid Graidia, Luxembourg, light heavy Joe Howarth (13 1 0) Wigan, v Kane Baker (19 13 2) Birmingham light.