Shakur Stevenson announced on his YouTube channel Monday that he has left Zuffa Boxing, ending a promotional deal that lasted roughly three months. The undefeated champion said he requested his release and that it was granted over the weekend, and he plans to launch his own promotional company.
Stevenson, 29, signed with Zuffa Boxing in July on a multi-fight contract. Zuffa Boxing is co-owned by UFC CEO Dana White, who called the signing “a massive signing for Zuffa Boxing” at the time, according to Bleacher Report. White said then he was “looking forward to promoting this next fight,” a reference to a bout that ultimately never materialized under the Zuffa banner.
The Zuffa Boxing Split Details
Stevenson said he spent eight weeks in training camp for fights that did not come together during his time with the promotion. “I’ve been working my ass off, staying focused, I’ve been in camp for eight weeks preparing for fights I was told would happen but have not happened,” he said.
He framed his exit as a business decision rather than a personal grievance. “It is what it is, this is the business of boxing, I’m not mad at anyone, but I requested to be released from Zuffa Boxing and over the weekend my request was granted,” Stevenson said. He added that he is “officially a free agent” and “now taking my career into my own hands,” while remaining open to working with outside promoters who are “serious about my career.”
No statement from Zuffa Boxing or White has addressed the departure.
What It Means For Stevenson’s Next Fight
The split comes after a proposed Nov. 28 superfight between Stevenson and welterweight champion Devin Haney collapsed. Stevenson said the two sides had agreed to weights of 144 and then 145 pounds before Haney’s camp insisted on 147 pounds at the last minute. “At the 11th hour, after agreeing to 144 and then 145, DeeHoe had his lawyer email and say that he would only fight at 147. Big waste of everybody’s time,” Stevenson said, according to Sports Illustrated.
Haney disputed that account, accusing Stevenson of going missing during negotiations and attempting to insert a rehydration clause. “You’re cap.. I agreed to 145 u went missing for days.
Tried to put a rehydration clause on me. I wasted 6 months negotiating with you.. i been negotiating with u since i was gonna sign to Zuffa,” Haney wrote. Haney’s response suggests the two fighters had been in talks well before Stevenson’s Zuffa signing in July, raising the possibility that friction over the matchup predated the formal split.
IBF welterweight champion Liam Paro has been mentioned as a potential alternative opponent for Haney.
With the Haney fight off and Stevenson now a free agent, no new opponent or promoter has been confirmed for his next bout.
Stevenson’s Standing In The Sport
Stevenson carries a 25-0 record with 11 knockouts and has held titles in four weight divisions. He won the WBC lightweight title in 2023 and defended it three times before moving up in weight. His most recent fight came in January, when he defeated Teofimo Lopez for the WBO and The Ring junior welterweight titles. He currently holds the WBO super welterweight title.
What’s Next
Stevenson has said he intends to start his own promotional company and will consider offers from other promoters. No timeline for his next fight, his promotional plans, or the status of his title belts following the Zuffa departure has been announced.
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