Shakur Stevenson has signed with Zuffa Boxing, citing promises of legacy-defining fights against Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis. The WBO light welterweight champion stated that the combination of significant financial reward and the opportunity to face elite opposition drove his decision to join the promotion.
Stevenson explained that while the monetary offer was a major factor, the strategic vision presented by Zuffa’s leadership was the ultimate confirmation. “You know, what really went into the decision was mainly life-changing money. Not only life-changing money, just life-changing opportunities,” Stevenson said. He made it clear that those opportunities involved specific names he has pursued for years.
According to Stevenson, Zuffa executives committed to delivering the exact opponents he wanted. “Dana [White] and Nick [Khan], they kept saying, ‘We want to get you in with the best fighters. We wanted you to fight the best.’ The guys that they mentioned was Devin and Tank. And when I heard that, I’m like, why would I go away from what I’ve been wanting to do my whole career? I think my whole career I’ve been saying the titles and all that, I done it. With all due respect to the titles, I appreciate y’all… but I want to fight the best. I want to get in there and prove myself and get under them bright lights and see who’s the best. I’m not scared of taking no risk.”
This alignment of ambition was a rare experience for the champion. “I think that’s what really kind of kicked it off with me and Zuffa. Their vision is as big as mine. I ain’t never really hear promoters with big visions like me. It’s an amazing thing, and I’m happy to be the person to lead the new school and new generation,” Shakur said.
Still, the viability of these marquee fights is not guaranteed. The entire arrangement hinges on Zuffa making good on its promises. A significant variable is Haney’s next move, as he must decide between facing Stevenson, potentially at a 144-pound catchweight, or defending his title against his mandatory challenger, Keyshawn Davis. An upset loss for Haney against Davis would immediately devalue one of the key fights that underpins Stevenson’s new deal.
