​Zuffa Boxing has secured its biggest signature to date. Undeated four-division champion and Olympic silver medalist Shakur Stevenson is no longer a free agent, having inked a multi-fight deal with the fast-growing boxing promotion led by UFC CEO Dana White, with backing from TKO and Saudi Arabia’s Sela. The industry news was first reported by ESPN’s Andreas Hale.
Seven months after launching Zuffa Boxing, White shared his vision for expanding into professional boxing. On SportsCenter, he explained, “In the last seven months, we’ve been able to secure some of the top fighters in the world, and we’re very excited about this signing.” He added, “We have signed Shakur Stevenson to a multiyear, multifight deal with Zuffa Boxing.” Stevenson’s arrival marks a major milestone for the upstart promotion, which has already secured notable stars such as Conor Benn, Jai Opetaia, Richardson Hitchins, and Edgar Berlanga.
Stevenson, who remains undefeated at 25-0 with 11 knockouts, brings an unblemished record to Zuffa Boxing as he looks to land even bigger fights. The 26-year-old has claimed world titles across four weight classes—featherweight, junior lightweight, lightweight, and junior welterweight—making him one of the most decorated fighters associated with the Zuffa Boxing banner so far. His most recent ring appearance came in January, when he defeated Teofimo Lopez by unanimous decision for WBO and Ring Magazine titles.
“I want to make the biggest and best fights happen, and show the world that I am the best in the world,” Stevenson stated about joining Zuffa Boxing. With his contract in place, Stevenson now aims to pursue landmark matchups that will further elevate his status and the profile of Zuffa Boxing.
Looking ahead, Stevenson expressed a particular interest in facing boxers who are also signed with other promotional outfits, signaling a willingness to navigate cross-promotional challenges to secure significant bouts. “My main focus right now would be Devin Haney or Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis,” Stevenson remarked. “Them the guys who I think would show that I’m the one.” This statement underscores his intent to measure himself against the sport’s elite and prove his superiority on the biggest stages.
As Stevenson integrates into Zuffa Boxing, the promoter’s strategic objective is clear: to assemble a roster of premier fighters and to orchestrate high-profile showdowns that capture global attention. White’s ambition extends beyond the UFC, aiming to transform boxing by presenting top-tier matchups that historically have not always occurred. With Stevenson’s addition, Zuffa Boxing positions itself as a serious contender in the boxing promotion landscape, leveraging the backing of TKO, Saudi support, and the leadership of White to challenge established powerhouses.
Fans and industry observers will be watching closely as Stevenson’s multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing unfolds. The coming months are expected to reveal high-stakes negotiations, potential cross-promotional bouts, and a slate of events designed to showcase Stevenson’s talent while expanding the reach and credibility of Zuffa Boxing. If White’s stated goals come to fruition, Stevenson’s presence could be a catalyst for broader shifts within the boxing world, signaling a new era for the sport under the Zuffa banner.