Shakur Stevenson has suggested his contract with Zuffa Boxing includes the right to approve or reject opponents. The claim came in a social media exchange after fellow contender Jose “El Rayo” Valenzuela challenged him following his signing with the new promotion.
Valenzuela made a direct offer to the recently signed welterweight, posting, “Welcome to Zuffa @ShakurStevenson. I’m your tuneup fight.” Stevenson quickly dismissed the idea that Valenzuela could position himself as a future opponent without his consent. He replied, “No you’re notttt lol I have to go say yes remember that,” publicly signaling a level of contractual control not typically afforded to fighters.
His comment hints at a significant operational difference between Zuffa Boxing and its sister promotion, the UFC. Dana White built the UFC on a model where the organization controls matchmaking, preventing top fighters from avoiding difficult challengers. Stevenson’s statement, specifically “I have to go say yes remember that,” implies he believes he possesses veto power, a privilege rarely granted in combat sports unless a fighter is a major pay-per-view star.
If Stevenson’s understanding of his deal is accurate, it places him in a uniquely powerful position. With the substantial financial backing of its Saudi investors, Zuffa Boxing can potentially absorb costs and make fights that traditional promoters might avoid due to financial risk. This structure would allow Stevenson to pursue the most lucrative matchups while retaining the authority to turn down fights he deems unsuitable, creating one of the most favorable arrangements for a boxer in the modern era. The question remains whether this power applies to all potential opponents or just marquee events.
