World champion released by Zuffa without ever fighting for Dana White’s promotion in bizarre twist
One of the biggest names signed by Zuffa Boxing has confirmed that he's been released from his contract in a shock move.
Throughout the year, Zuffa Boxing, led by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh and UFC boss Dana White, have made major waves in the sport, signing some major names onto big money deals.
Not long after the blockbuster deal for Conor Benn was announced, Zuffa confirmed that multiple-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson had also joined, only for it to now be revealed that the 29-year-old has been released before ever fighting for Zuffa.
Shakur Stevenson releases statement after being released from Zuffa Boxing deal
Ever since Stevenson joined Zuffa, it has long been reported that he had been in talks to fight WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney, but these discussions appear to have broken down.
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It is believed that a disagreement on weight is what led to the Haney fight getting away, while bouts with both Manny Pacquiao and Gary Antuanne Russell also failed to materialise.
"I’ve been working my a*** off, staying focused," Stevenson said on his Youtube channel.
“I’ve been in camp for eight weeks preparing for fights I was told would happen but have not happened.
“It is what it is; this is the business of boxing. I’m not mad at anyone; I’m not pointing any fingers.
“But with all this going on, I requested to be released from Zuffa Boxing and over the weekend my request was granted. “I’m officially a free agent.”
In his last outing, back in January, Stevenson picked up a decision victory over Teofimo Lopez.
He added: “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.
“I’m excited to be in this position. I’m excited to be starting a new journey.
“But the mission is still the same.
“I want the biggest fights available at 135lbs or 140lbs, where I hold my title.
“Give it maybe a year or two, and we are going to get up to 147lbs where everyone is pressing me to be.
“Also, I am open to co-promoting and working with any of the networks.”
At the time of writing, neither White or Zuffa have officially confirmed the news.
READ MORE: Boxer storms out of ring as he suffers ‘robbery’ in British title fight according to Tyson Fury
Eddie Hearn posts brutal response after Dana White and Zuffa lose Shakur Stevenson
Of course, it didn't take long for Matchroom chief Hearn, who has been publicly feuding with White since Zuffa's emergence this year, to tease his rivals regarding the news.
And with a potential reunion deal with Stevenson on the cards for Hearn, having promoted him for his last three fights, the Matchroom CEO is clearly delighted by Stevenson's decision.
Hours after the news broke, Hearn took a jab at White by posting an AI picture of himself smoking a cigar while on a FaceTime with Anthony Joshua, referencing a post White made doing the same while talking to Alalshikh after his involvement in Joshua v Tyson Fury was confirmed.
Hearn also included the song “Body of Work” as the audio of the Instagram story, a phrase White often uses when discussing Zuffa Boxing.
In another video, he referenced John Stones' infamous shoulder injury dance move while celebrating the news.
Topics: Boxing, Dana White
Ben McCrum