Shakur Stevenson Leaves Zuffa Boxing Without Fighting as He Plans Own Promotion

Posted : 20 October 2026

American boxing star Shakur Stevenson has secured his release from Zuffa Boxing without competing under the promotion, ending his association with the organisation just months after signing. The 29-year-old confirmed the development on his YouTube channel, announcing that he is now a free agent and intends to take greater control of his professional career.

Stevenson was among the high-profile fighters recruited by Zuffa Boxing, the promotion led by UFC chief Dana White and backed by Saudi interests. However, despite joining in July, he has yet to make his debut for the organisation, with several potential fights failing to materialise.

The American had been linked with a possible showdown against WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney, but negotiations reportedly stalled amid disagreements over the terms of the proposed bout. Stevenson said he had spent approximately eight weeks preparing for fights that ultimately did not happen, leaving him frustrated by the lack of progress.

"I requested to be released from Zuffa Boxing," Stevenson explained, adding that his request was approved over the weekend. He insisted he was not blaming anyone for the situation but had decided it was time to take responsibility for the direction of his career.

Following his departure, Stevenson revealed plans to establish his own promotional company while remaining open to working with established promoters and broadcasters. He said his priority is securing meaningful fights against top-level opposition rather than spending more time waiting for negotiations to produce a confirmed contest.

The undefeated boxer is targeting major bouts at lightweight and light-welterweight limits of 135 and 140 pounds, respectively. He also indicated that he intends to move up to welterweight at 147 pounds in the next year or two, but only when he believes the timing is right for his career.

The proposed contest with Haney had attracted considerable attention, with both fighters seen as potential opponents in a high-profile matchup. However, discussions failed to produce an agreement, leaving Stevenson to reconsider his options after months without a fight.

Stevenson's most recent appearance came in January, when he defeated Teofimo Lopez by unanimous decision to claim the WBO junior-welterweight title and become a four-division world champion. He remains unbeaten as a professional, with a record of 25 wins and 11 knockouts.

Zuffa Boxing has not publicly commented on his announced departure. Stevenson, meanwhile, says his ambition remains unchanged: to face the best available opponents, defend his title and build his career on his own terms.

Shakur Stevenson Leaves Zuffa Boxing Without Fighting as He Plans Own Promotion

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