Did Stevenson Actually Sign With Zuffa?

Shakur Stevenson (25-0, 11KOs) appears set to begin the next chapter of his career with Zuffa Boxing, although the news was revealed by a rival promoter before the company itself made an official announcement.

Speaking at a press conference promoting an upcoming event for Anthony Joshua, Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn confirmed that Stevenson had agreed to join the Dana White-backed promotion.

“Shakur signed with Zuffa, so that will be him moving forward,” Hearn told Fight Hub TV.

While Zuffa Boxing has yet to formally announce the signing, reports suggest an official confirmation is expected soon. Industry speculation surrounding Stevenson’s future has been building for weeks following his departure from Top Rank. Earlier reports indicated negotiations between Stevenson and Zuffa were nearing completion, and company founder Dana White hinted at the deal during a May press conference when asked about Stevenson’s status.

When questioned about whether the undefeated champion had already signed, White responded, “No? Possibly,” fueling further speculation.

Stevenson, 28, enters this new phase of his career as one of boxing’s most accomplished active fighters. The Newark native owns a perfect 25-0 record with 11 knockouts and currently holds the WBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight championships. He captured those titles with a decision victory over Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden in January, adding to a résumé that already includes world titles in four weight classes.

Although Hearn praised Stevenson’s talent, he questioned whether Zuffa Boxing’s financial model can be sustained over the long term. According to Hearn, the promotion has been offering purses significantly above market value in an effort to attract elite talent.

Hearn suggested Zuffa is paying fighters “roughly five times” what other promoters are offering and raised concerns about how the company would consistently create financially viable matchups. He pointed to a hypothetical fight between Stevenson and O’Shaquie Foster, questioning whether a reported purse in the range of $15 million could be justified from a business perspective.

The promoter ultimately predicted that such spending levels would be difficult to maintain, even while acknowledging Stevenson’s value as one of boxing’s premier stars.

If finalized, Stevenson’s signing would represent another major acquisition for Zuffa Boxing as the company continues its push to establish itself as a significant force in the sport. in the video above, boxing insider Dan Rafael and TJ Rives discuss how a Stevenson/Zuffa pairing would be a massive shakeup in the world of boxing promotions and a coup for Zuffa. 

Of course a Stevenson to Zuffa would make creating the fight against O'Shaquie Foster a little difficult. Stevenson doesn't view Foster as being at his level. Of course the two had words for each other in the ring after Foster's win over Raymond Ford this past Saturday.