Shakur Stevenson‘s time with Zuffa Boxing has already come to an end.
It was announced back in July that Stevenson had signed with Zuffa, in what was a big statement of intent from Dana White’s promotional company.
Over three months on, Stevenson has been linked with a number of opponents but is yet to have a fight confirmed, and that has now led to the shock announcement that he will no longer be working with Zuffa.
Posting on his YouTube channel, Stevenson explained why he has made the decision to become a free agent.
“I’m here to tell you all about the wild journey that I’ve been on the last couple of months. I’ve been working my as* off, staying focused, staying in shape.
“I’ve been in camp for like 8 weeks preparing for fights that I was told were going to happen. It has not happened, but it is what it is. This is the business of boxing.
“I’m not mad at anyone or pointing any fingers, but upon all of these issues and things that have been going on, I requested to be released from Zuffa Boxing. Over the weekend my request has been granted and I am officially a free agent.”
Stevenson then revealed that following his departure, he will be starting his own promotional company as he plans to campaign at lightweight and super-lightweight for the foreseeable future.
“This time I want to tell the fans and tell everybody that’s in the public that I am now taking my career in my own hands and I’m starting my own promotional company and willing to work with other promoters and anybody else out there that is serious about my career.
“I’m just excited to be in this position and excited to be starting a new journey and the new mission is still the same. I want the biggest and best fights available at 135lbs or 140lbs where I hold my title. It doesn’t matter the name, who you put in front of me, none of these guys can beat me.”
It means that a potential welterweight fight with Devin Haney won’t be happening anytime soon, but Stevenson insists that he will eventually move to welterweight, as he bids to become the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
“Give it a year or two and we will get to 147lbs where everybody is pressing me to be there. We will get there but on my time and not anybody else’s. I’m going to keep showing you all why I am the best fighter in the sport of boxing, and soon the number one pound for pound. Inoue you’re a hell of a fighter but you’ve got to get out of my way.”
Stevenson’s split from Zuffa is a big blow for the company, having lost arguably the biggest name on their roster, though they do still promote the likes of Jai Opetaia and Conor Benn.
