Shakur Stevenson, the undefeated junior welterweight champ, just dropped a bombshell on the boxing world: he’s officially been granted his release from Zuffa Boxing after a mere three months with the promotion. Dude signed a multi-fight deal back in August, and now, without a single fight under their banner, the pound-for-pound star is a free agent again. Seriously, what a twist.
The Shortest Stint in Boxing?
This whole situation is wild, right? We’re talking about a 29-year-old champ, a guy with a pristine 25-0 record and 11 KOs, who just moved up to 140 pounds in January and snagged the WBO title in a dominant decision over Teofimo Lopez Jr. Everyone was talking about him, especially with those megafight talks with unbeaten welterweight king Devin Haney at a catchweight of 145 pounds. Those talks, though, apparently fell apart late last week after some social media back-and-forth between the two. Stevenson was explicit about why he pulled the plug. “I’ve been in camp for like eight weeks preparing for fights I was told was going to happen,” Stevenson said. “It has not happened but, it is what it is, this is the business of boxing. I’m not mad at anyone. I’m not pointing no fingers but upon all of these issues and things that have been going on. I’ve requested to be released from Zuffa Boxing. Now, over the weekend, my request has been granted and I’m officially a free agent.” You gotta respect a guy who calls it like he sees it when things aren’t moving.
Stevenson’s Taking Control
But wait, it gets even more interesting. This isn’t just about leaving Zuffa; Stevenson is making a massive power play. He announced he’s starting his own promotional company! This champ is taking his career into his own hands, and honestly, you love to see it. He’s ready to work with other promoters, anyone “willing to be serious with my career as I am.” Remember, this isn’t his first dance. Stevenson, who won a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics and is managed by rap mogul James Prince, turned pro with Top Rank in 2017, winning titles between 126 and 135 pounds before hitting free agency in 2024. Then he linked up with Matchroom Sport’s Eddie Hearn, but that lasted just one fight before he partnered with Saudi Arabian adviser Turki Alalshakh for his two most recent bouts. This dude’s not afraid to make moves if he thinks it’s best for his career, and starting his own thing? That’s next-level commitment.
No Rush to 147: The Champ’s On His Own Time
Stevenson’s got a clear vision, and it includes staying put at 135 or 140 pounds for now, where he holds his title. “I’m just excited to be in this position,” he stated. “I’m just excited to be starting a new journey and the mission is still the same. I want the biggest and best fights available at 135 or 140 pounds, where I hold my title. It doesn’t matter the name, it doesn’t matter who you put in front of me. None of these guys can beat me.” That’s the confidence of an undefeated champion right there. A big reason the Haney negotiation reportedly hit the skids was Stevenson’s unwillingness to jump to the full welterweight limit of 147 pounds just yet. He addressed it directly: “Everybody is just pressing me to be a 147-pounder. I will get there but on my time and not on nobody else’s [time].” He figures he needs another 1-2 years before making that leap from junior welterweight. You can’t fault a guy for wanting to dominate his current weight class before moving up.
So, the boxing world is watching to see what Stevenson does next as a free agent and independent promoter. Expect some big announcements from the champ himself.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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