Just three months after signing with Zuffa Boxing, in a deal that was announced with great fanfare and even accompanied by a photo shoot, Shakur Stevenson has already requested and been granted his release from the organization. Alongside Jai Opetaia, the American was the most talented boxer signed by the company headed by Dana White.
Here is what Stevenson said to announce his stunning decision to the fans:
I’ve been working my ass off, staying focused, staying in shape. I’ve been in camp for like 8 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. 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. 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 currently holds the WBO World Super Lightweight Title, which he won in January thanks to a dominant performance against Teofimo Lopez, who held the belt at the time. Shakur is undefeated as a professional, with a perfect record of 25 wins in 25 fights. He has won world titles in four weight divisions and is currently ranked third in The Ring’s pound-for-pound rankings.