The relationship between Shakur Stevenson and Zuffa Boxing is over before it really even started.
That's according to Stevenson (25-0) himself, who announced Monday in a video posted to his YouTube channel he was granted a release from the TKO boxing promotion roughly three months after signing.
"I've been in camp for like eight weeks preparing for fights that I was told was gong to happen and have not happened," Stevenson said. "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. I'm officially a free agent.
"This time, I wanted to
tell the fans and everybody that's in the public, I am now taking my career in my own hands. I'm starting my own promotional company. I'm willing to work with other promoters and anybody else that's out there and be serious about my career as I am about my career. I'm just excited. I'm excited to be in this position. I'm excited to be starting a new journey."
Stevenson, 29, signed with Zuffa Boxing on July 9. He never competed for the promotion, which has not publicly commented on Stevenson's departure at the time of this publication.
Widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the sport, Stevenson most recently having competed Jan. 31 when he defeated Teofimo Lopez (23-2) by unanimous decision. Stevenson holds the WBO and The Ring junior welterweight titles and has previously held the WBC lightweight title.
Despite his inactivity, Stevenson said his overall goals remain the same. He's just eager to return as soon as possible against the best boxer available.
"The mission is still the same," Stevenson said. "I want the biggest and best fights available at 135 pounds or 145 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. I say give it maybe a year or two, we'll get to 147 where everybody is pressing me to be a 147-pounder. I will get there, but on my time and not nobody else's. ... I'm going to keep showing y'all why I am the best fighter in the sport of boxing."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Shakur Stevenson announces split from Zuffa Boxing: 'I'm officially a free agent'
