Shakur Stevenson announces release from Zuffa Boxing

When pound-for-pound greats in boxing are discussed, WBO and Ring super lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson is a regular topic of conversation. He has dazzled some and frustrated others on his path to becoming a four-weight world champion. Stevenson recently signed for Zuffa Boxing, but after plenty of rumours regarding his first opponent for them, Shakur has announced his departure via his own YouTube channel.

Shakur Stevenson joins Zuffa Boxing

Shakur’s career has accelerated in recent fights, with impressive wins over William Zepeda and Teofimo Lopez catapulting the talented 29-year-old southpaw to the top of many pound-for-pound lists. When he decided to join Zuffa Boxing, Shakur Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) had his say via a press release:

“Line them up, one by one, and I’ll beat all the top guys once I get them in front of me.”

“With Zuffa Boxing, I’m going to go after the biggest fights in the sport, and I will become the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world,” added Shakur.

“Shakur is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world,” said UFC President Dana White in the same press release. “He’s 29 years old, undefeated and already a four-division world champion. This is a massive signing for Zuffa Boxing, and I’m looking forward to promoting this next fight.”

It now appears the excitement has faded quickly and the relationship has soured.

Shakur Stevenson announces Zuffa departure

Explaining his departure in a post on YouTube, Shakur said:

“I’m here to tell you all about the wild journey that I’ve been on the last couple of months. I’ve been working my as* off, staying focused, staying in shape.

“I’ve been in camp for like 8 weeks preparing for fights that I was told were going to happen. It has not happened, but it is what it is. This is the business of boxing.

“I’m not mad at anyone or pointing any fingers, but upon all of these issues and things that have been going on, I requested to be released from Zuffa Boxing. Over the weekend my request has been granted and I am officially a free agent.”

The Big Fight Weekend verdict

It’s clear it has not worked for Shakur at Zuffa, and despite him saying he doesn’t blame anyone, you don’t leave that quickly unless all is not well. 

The inactivity has undoubtedly hurt Shakur. His brilliant win over Teofimo Lopez feels like a distant memory and one he should have capitalised on earlier in the year. He is too good to only be fighting once a year, and it appears the 29-year-old is open to working with all promoters to obtain the biggest and best fights.

Could this mean Shakur Stevenson vs Devin Haney could finally happen? It remains to be seen what Zuffa say on this if anything at all, but this is not a move many would have expected.

Featured Image Credit:

Cris Esqueda- Golden Boy Promotions