Stevenson released from Zuffa without fighting for promotion

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 10:08 · Archive

Four-weight champion Shakur Stevenson has been granted a release from Zuffa Boxing without fighting for the Dana White-led promotion.

Four-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson has been granted a release from Zuffa Boxing without fighting for the promotion, just three months after signing with the Saudi Arabian-backed company in July. Stevenson announced his departure in a video posted to YouTube, saying he had been promised fights that did not come to pass. The 29-year-old American, who is unbeaten in 25 professional fights, said he spent eight weeks in camp preparing for bouts that never happened. He had been in talks to fight WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney, but those discussions broke down.

Stevenson said he requested the release and it was granted over the weekend. "I'm not mad at anyone, I'm not pointing fingers," he said, adding that he was taking his career into his own hands and starting his own promotional company while remaining open to working with other promoters.

Zuffa Boxing, headed by UFC owners TKO and Dana White, entered professional boxing in January with several high-profile signings including British boxer Conor Benn and cruiserweight Jai Opetaia. Benn has had two fights with Zuffa, most recently losing to world champion Ryan Garcia last month. Zuffa has not commented on Stevenson's departure. Stevenson's last fight was an impressive win against American rival Teofimo Lopez, making him a four-weight world champion.

How it is being reported

• Shakur Stevenson ends Zuffa contract before even fighting for Dana White’s promotionStevenson said he is a free agent, with his former promoter Eddie Hearn mocking White over the lossIndependent Sport · 20 Oct, 09:47
• Stevenson 'granted' Zuffa release without fightingFour-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson signed for Dana White's Zuffa Boxing in July but says promised fights have not materialised.BBC Sport · 20 Oct, 07:04

In this story: Shakur Stevenson · Dana White · Zuffa Boxing · Devin Haney · Conor Benn · Teofimo Lopez · United States

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