Undefeated boxing champion Shakur Stevenson has officially left Zuffa Boxing after the promotion granted his request for a release. The 29-year-old American is now a free agent and plans to establish his own promotional company while remaining open to working with other promoters.
Stevenson announced the decision in a video posted to his YouTube channel on October 19, 2026. He explained that he had spent approximately eight weeks preparing for fights that ultimately did not happen.
The announcement marks another important change in Stevenson’s professional career. Instead of remaining with Zuffa Boxing while waiting for a suitable matchup, he intends to take greater control of his future and pursue major fights on his own terms.
According to coverage from CBS Sports and The Ring, Stevenson had not competed under the Zuffa Boxing banner before securing his release.
Why Did Shakur Stevenson Leave Zuffa Boxing?
Stevenson said his decision followed a period of uncertainty over potential fights. Although he had been training for several weeks, the expected matchups failed to materialize.
In his announcement, Stevenson made it clear that he was not publicly blaming any individual or organization. Instead, he described the situation as part of the boxing business and confirmed that his request to leave had been accepted.
His departure came roughly three months after he signed a multi-fight agreement with Zuffa Boxing in July 2026.
The split is notable because Stevenson is one of boxing’s prominent undefeated champions. His decision to leave without making a promotional debut raises questions about where he will compete next and how he will arrange future bouts.
Neither the full terms of the separation nor a new fight agreement has been confirmed in the available reporting.
Shakur Stevenson Plans to Start His Own Promotional Company
Becoming a free agent gives Stevenson more flexibility as he considers his next career move. He has announced plans to launch his own promotional company rather than rely entirely on an established boxing promoter.
However, Stevenson has not ruled out partnerships. He said he is willing to work with other promoters and parties that are serious about advancing his career.
This approach could give him more control over opponent selection, negotiations and the timing of future fights. The precise business structure and operational details of his proposed company have not yet been announced.
For now, Stevenson’s priority remains competing against top-level opposition. His immediate plans center on the 135-pound lightweight and 140-pound junior welterweight divisions.
Devin Haney Fight Talks Failed to Produce an Agreement
The proposed matchup between Stevenson and Devin Haney was one of the most discussed potential fights surrounding the boxer’s recent career.
Haney is an established champion who competes at welterweight, where the division’s limit is 147 pounds. Stevenson, meanwhile, had recently moved up to 140 pounds and captured the WBO junior welterweight title.
Negotiations for a potential showdown reportedly stalled amid disagreements over the proposed weight and other conditions. The fighters also exchanged comments publicly as the talks appeared to break down.
However, the available reporting does not establish that one individual or organization was solely responsible for the failed negotiations.
The collapse of the proposed matchup was an important development during Stevenson’s time with Zuffa Boxing. Nevertheless, the two fighters have not announced a finalized agreement for a future bout.
A fight between Stevenson and Haney could still attract considerable interest if both sides reach acceptable terms. For now, though, fans should not treat the matchup as confirmed.
Stevenson’s Next Fight: What Weight Class Will He Choose?
Stevenson has made his immediate priorities clear. He wants the biggest available fights at 135 or 140 pounds before considering a full move to welterweight.
Lightweight and junior welterweight remain the priorities
Stevenson has won world titles across four weight classes: featherweight, junior lightweight, lightweight and junior welterweight.
His most recent championship victory came in January 2026, when he defeated Teofimo Lopez by decision to capture the WBO title at 140 pounds.
That result strengthened his position among the leading fighters in the division. It also created opportunities for potential matchups against other champions and elite contenders.
Stevenson has not announced a confirmed opponent or date for his next fight. His free-agent status could provide more options, but any potential matchup will depend on negotiations and an official announcement.
A move to 147 pounds may take another year or two
Although a fight at welterweight could eventually open the door to a showdown with Haney, Stevenson does not appear eager to move up immediately.
In his announcement, he indicated that he expects to make the transition to 147 pounds in approximately one or two years.
The decision reflects his stated preference to move up when he believes the timing is right rather than respond to outside pressure.
For now, his attention remains on opportunities at lightweight and junior welterweight, where he believes the most suitable fights are available.
Shakur Stevenson’s Boxing Record and Career Background
Stevenson, who comes from Newark, New Jersey, first gained international recognition as an amateur boxer. He won a silver medal for the United States at the 2016 Olympic Games before turning professional in 2017.
He initially signed with Top Rank and built an undefeated record while winning championships in multiple divisions. He later worked with Matchroom Boxing before entering another phase of his career through high-profile partnerships.
His professional record stood at 25 wins and no losses, with 11 victories by knockout, according to reports published around his October 2026 announcement.
Stevenson’s technical skill, defensive ability and ring control have helped establish him as a leading name in modern boxing. His latest promotional decision adds another significant chapter to a career shaped by changes in weight class, championship success and business relationships.
What Happens Next for Shakur Stevenson?
Stevenson’s immediate challenge is finding the right opponent and securing a deal that allows him to return to the ring.
His plan to launch a promotional company could provide additional control over his career. At the same time, working with established promoters may help him access major events and high-profile opponents.
The proposed Haney fight remains an intriguing possibility, but no confirmed agreement has been announced. Other opportunities at 135 and 140 pounds could also emerge as negotiations continue.
Ultimately, Stevenson’s next move will depend on the offers available, the terms he is willing to accept and the opponents prepared to face him.
His departure from Zuffa Boxing does not change his undefeated record or his stated ambition to compete against the best. Instead, it begins a new phase in which he intends to have a greater say in how his career develops.
Source note: This report draws on Stevenson’s public announcement and reporting from CBS Sports and The Ring. Fight negotiations and future plans remain subject to confirmation by the parties involved.
