Shakur Stevenson Granted Release from Zuffa Boxing Without Fighting

Undefeated WBO light welterweight champion Shakur Stevenson announced on his YouTube channel that he is officially a free agent after parting ways with Zuffa Boxing. The move comes barely 100 days after the multi-division champion was announced as a marquee signing for UFC CEO Dana White’s boxing venture, without having competed in a single bout under the promotional banner.

Stevenson (25-0) revealed that he formally requested his release, which was granted over the weekend. The fighter cited frustration with unfulfilled fight plans despite undergoing extended training camps. “I’ve been working my ass off,” Stevenson said.

“I’ve been in camp for, like, eight weeks preparing for fights that I was told was going to happen and it has not happened but look, it is what it is. I’m not mad at anyone, I’m not pointing no fingers, but upon all of these issues and things that’s been going on, I requested to be released from Zuffa Boxing.” The exact terms of his initial contract with the promotion were not disclosed.

Moving forward, Stevenson plans to take full control of his career by launching his own promotional company. The 25-0 star, who captured titles at featherweight, super featherweight, and lightweight, won his WBO 140-pound belt this past January by defeating Teofimo Lopez via unanimous decision. Stevenson stated he intends to defend his title and pursue the biggest available matchups before eventually moving up to the 147-pound welterweight division on his own timeline over the next year or two.