Shakur Stevenson Leaves Zuffa Boxing as Free Agent After Haney Fight Collapse
Shakur Stevenson requested and was granted his release from Zuffa Boxing after the proposed Devin Haney fight fell apart over a weight dispute.
Shakur Stevenson is a free agent again. The unbeaten junior welterweight champion announced Monday that he requested and was granted his release from Zuffa Boxing, leaving the promotion without ever throwing a punch under the banner.
Stevenson broke the news in a video on his YouTube channel. "I've requested to be released from Zuffa Boxing," he said. "My request has been granted and I'm officially a free agent." He added that he had spent eight weeks in camp preparing for fights that never materialized. "It has not happened but, it is what it is, this is the business of boxing. I'm not mad at anyone."
The 29 year old signed a multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing in July, reportedly worth well into eight figures. Almost immediately, he and Devin Haney appeared to have a verbal agreement for a catchweight showdown. On October 8, Stevenson publicly accepted a 145 pound catchweight, posting "145.0 U GOT A DEAL." Eight days later, the negotiations collapsed on social media. Stevenson accused Haney of moving the weight at the last minute and pushing for a rehydration clause. Haney countered that Stevenson had gone silent during talks, per Boxing Insider.
Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) said he plans to start his own promotional company and remain open to working with other promoters and networks. He wants the biggest fights available at 135 and 140 pounds. "Everybody is just pressing me to be a 147 pounder," he said. "I will get there on my time and not on nobody else's."
His team told Ariel Helwani that the four division champion "has been frustrated as of late." Stevenson was ranked No. 4 pound for pound by Uncrowned and was the biggest name on the Zuffa Boxing roster. His last fight was a dominant decision over Teofimo Lopez Jr. in January for the WBO 140 pound title.
This was a trainwreck from the jump. Zuffa Boxing signed the best young talent in the sport, promised him big fights, and couldn't deliver one in three months. I'm not surprised Shakur walked. The Haney fight dying over two pounds is classic boxing politics: two guys who both want it but can't get out of their own way long enough to sign on the dotted line.
I'll give Stevenson credit for not playing the blame game, but starting his own promotional company at 29 is a bold move. Top Rank couldn't keep him happy, Matchroom lasted one fight, and now Zuffa goes down the same way. At some point you have to wonder if Shakur is the common thread. He's the most talented fighter in the 135 to 140 range, but talent means nothing if you never get in the ring.
The good news is he's still unbeaten, still holds a world title, and still has leverage. Somebody will sign him. The question is whether he'll actually fight for them.
