Shakur Stevenson’s partnership with Dana White and Zuffa Boxing has come to an abrupt end. Just three months after signing a multi-fight agreement with the boxing promotion backed by the UFC CEO, the undefeated four-division world champion announced Monday that he has officially parted ways with the company.
Stevenson, 29, revealed the decision on his YouTube channel, explaining that frustration over promised fights that never materialized ultimately led him to request his release. “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,” Stevenson said.
“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.”
The announcement represents a surprising development for Zuffa Boxing, which had positioned Stevenson as one of its most significant acquisitions during its push into professional boxing.
From Marquee Signing to Free Agent
When Stevenson signed with Zuffa Boxing in July, the move appeared to signal the beginning of a potentially lucrative relationship. White praised the undefeated champion as one of boxing’s premier talents and expressed excitement about promoting his next appearance.
“Shakur is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. He’s 29 years old, undefeated and already a four-division world champion,” White said at the time. “This is a massive signing for Zuffa Boxing, and I’m looking forward to promoting this next fight.”
However, the partnership ended without Stevenson competing under the promotional banner. For a fighter entering what should be the prime years of his career, spending eight weeks preparing for bouts that failed to materialize was apparently enough to reconsider the arrangement.
Stevenson Plans to Take Control of His Career
Rather than immediately signing another exclusive promotional agreement, Stevenson intends to take a different approach. The undefeated champion announced plans to establish his own promotional company while remaining open to working with established promoters.
“I’m officially a free agent, I’m now taking my career into my own hands, starting my own promotional company and I’m willing to work with other promoters that are willing to be serious about my career,” Stevenson said.
The decision could provide Stevenson with greater flexibility when negotiating future opponents, promotional partnerships and potential championship opportunities. With a professional record of 25-0 and 11 knockouts, Stevenson remains one of the sport’s most technically gifted fighters.
He captured the WBC lightweight championship in 2023 and successfully defended the belt three times before adding another significant achievement to his resume. In January, Stevenson defeated Teofimo Lopez to capture the WBO and The Ring junior welterweight championships.
Now, his focus is on securing the biggest fights available rather than committing to another lengthy promotional arrangement.
Bigger Fights at 135 and 140 Pounds?
Stevenson made it clear that his immediate priorities remain the lightweight and junior welterweight divisions. “I want the biggest fights available at 135 pounds or 140 pounds, where I hold my title,” Stevenson said.
The Newark, New Jersey, native also expressed interest in eventually moving to welterweight, opening the possibility of pursuing championship opportunities in another weight class. For Stevenson, the challenge will be translating his promotional independence into the high-profile matchups he believes he deserves.
What Does This Mean for Zuffa Boxing?
Stevenson’s departure raises questions about Zuffa Boxing’s ability to retain established champions while delivering the major fights promised during contract negotiations.
White has made no secret of his ambition to reshape the boxing business through Zuffa’s promotional model. However, losing an undefeated, four-division champion only three months after announcing his signing represents a notable setback.
Stevenson’s decision also highlights a longstanding issue in boxing: the difficulty of turning promotional agreements into meaningful activity inside the ring. While promotional companies compete to sign the sport’s biggest names, fighters ultimately depend on those organizations to deliver opponents, dates and opportunities.
For Stevenson, waiting was no longer an acceptable option. His next chapter will begin without Zuffa Boxing, but potentially with more control over the direction of his career. Shakur Stevenson entered Zuffa Boxing as one of Dana White’s biggest signings. Three months later, he’s walking away determined to build something of his own.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
