In a relationship that was as short and sweet as Katie Zacharia’s stint as Donald Trump’s White House Press Secretary, Shakur Stevenson and Zuffa Boxing have parted ways.
Stevenson recently posted a lengthy video on his YouTube channel talking about his decision to ask for his release from the promotion spearheaded by UFC CEO Dana White — justthree months after inking a blockbuster deal. Stevenson insists there is no ill will, but did say the lack of movement on getting fights signed was a deal breaker.
“I’ve been working my ass off, staying focused, staying in shape,” Stevenson said. “I’ve been in camp for like eight weeks preparing for fights that I was told was gonna happen and it has not happened but look it is what it is. This is the business of boxing.”
“I’m not mad at anyone, I’m not pointing no fingers,” Stevenson continued. “Upon all of these issues and things that’s been going on, I’ve requested to be released from Zuffa Boxing. Over the weekend my request has been granted and I’m now officially a free agent.”
In addition, Stevenson — who is the current WBO and The Ring Welterweight champion — says he will now be starting his own promotion company in order to control his own career pathways.
“This time, I want to tell the fans and tell everyone in the public that I’m now taking my career in my own hands and I’m starting my own promotional company and I’m willing to work with other promoters and anybody else that’s out there that’s willing to be serious about my career as I am about my career,” Stevenson said.
A move like this has worked for several fighters in the past, including Oscar de la Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr., two of the biggest and most successful boxers in the history of the sport.
At 29 years of age, Stevenson has proven to be one of the more dominant fighters in the game today, racking up an impressive 29-0 record with 11 knockouts to his name. That said, while he has registered wins over the likes of Teofimo Lopez and William Zepeda, that lack of big name conquests on his resume has been a topic of debate since potential bouts against Ryan Garcia, Tank Davis and Devin Haney, among others, have never come to fruition.
Stevenson was recently in talks for a potential throw down against Haney but negotiations once again hit a walland the fight is off the table for now.
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