Stevenson granted release from Zuffa Boxing without stepping into the ring

Shakur Stevenson announced that he has been released from his contract with Zuffa Boxing, a Saudi‑backed promotion owned by UFC executives TKO and Dana White, without having fought for the company. The 29‑year‑old multiple‑division world champion was among the high‑profile signings Zuffa made earlier this year, and he had been in negotiations to face WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney. Those talks appear to have collapsed, and Stevenson now describes himself as a “free agent.”

In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Stevenson said, “I requested to be released from Zuffa Boxing. Now, over the weekend, my request has been granted.” Zuffa Boxing has not responded to inquiries about his departure.

White has been vocal about his ambition to reshape boxing, and one of his most notable acquisitions was British fighter Conor Benn, who left Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom to join Zuffa. Benn has already fought twice for the promotion, the most recent bout ending in a swift knockout loss to world champion Ryan Garcia last month.

Stevenson’s most recent fight was a dominant victory over American rival Teofimo Lopez, which earned him a fourth world title across different weight classes. He had hoped to add a fifth belt by challenging Haney, but he says he has grown frustrated by inactivity since signing with Zuffa in July. “I’ve been in camp for like eight weeks, preparing for fights that I was told were going to happen and have not happened,” he explained. “It is what it is. This is the business of boxing. I’m not mad at anyone, I’m not pointing fingers.”

Looking ahead, Stevenson announced plans to launch his own promotional company and expressed openness to working with other promoters who share his commitment to his career. He intends to defend his WBO light‑welterweight title before eventually moving up to welterweight in the coming years.