Shakur Stevenson has secured his exit from Zuffa Boxing, the Saudi-backed promotion headed by Dana White, becoming a free agent without ever stepping into the ring under the banner. The four-weight world champion announced his departure after his release request was granted over the weekend.
“I requested to be released from Zuffa Boxing. Now, over the weekend, my request has been granted,” Stevenson stated.
The highly-ranked boxer had expressed considerable frustration over stalled fight negotiations during his time with the promotion. Most notably, discussions to face WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney failed to materialize, creating a significant roadblock in Stevenson’s career trajectory. These protracted negotiations played a crucial role in his decision to pursue an exit from the organization.
New Venture
Stevenson’s departure marks the beginning of an ambitious new chapter. The undefeated fighter intends to launch his own promotional company while remaining active in the ring. He plans to defend his WBO light-welterweight title before making a move up to welterweight, where Haney currently reigns as a dominant force.
The departure underscores ongoing tensions within professional boxing’s promotional landscape. Stevenson’s situation reflects broader frustrations that boxers have voiced regarding fight negotiations and promotional control. Other high-profile fighters including Ryan Garcia, Conor Benn, and Teofimo Lopez have navigated similar complexities within the sport’s promotional ecosystem.
With his newfound freedom as a free agent, Stevenson now holds considerably more leverage in selecting opponents and structuring his career path. His stated intention to establish his own promotion signals a boxer taking direct control over his professional destiny rather than remaining bound by traditional promotional constraints.