Stephon Young (18-1-3, 7 KOs) of St. Louis, Missouri, United States, official reserve of the World Boxing Super Series, replaces South African Zolani Tete in the bantamweight semifinal against Nonito Donaire, due to an injury in the right shoulder of the fighter from South Africa.

“I felt incredible with the news, it’s a real dream come true to be in this position,” Young enthused.

Also known as the ‘Showstopper’, he heads straight to top of the bill at Lafayette, Louisiana, for Saturday’s semifinals at Cajunadome, instead of fighting his scheduled bout  on the undercard against Daniel Lozano.

“It does not matter who I fight, as  I’m going to win against the one I face. My mentality is strong, I have the greatest respect for Nonito, he’s a great warrior and, from what I see, he’s also a class person  outside of the ring. I think my chances are very, very good.”

Due to the apt well formulated format of the World Boxing Super Series Young was already in reserve, fit and ready to fight on the same card, and as the tournament’s Head of Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, explains, he’ll now  have the opportunity to win a place in the final against Naoya Inoue or Emmanuel Rodríguez.

“It’s very, very unfortunate for Tete, particularly after such a strong belief in going to the final and winning the Ali Trophy,” Sauerland said. “Fortunately, we are prepared for such eventualities and the tournament will advance with our reserve fighter Stephon Young, facing Nonito Donaire in the semifinal this weekend.”