Undefeated light heavyweight prospect from Washington, D.C. signs a long-term deal with Zuffa Boxing and aims to challenge for the top of the division
Zuffa Boxing continues to expand its roster of boxers and has secured the services of undefeated light heavyweight prospect Nasheed “Sugar Sheed” Smith. The highly touted American has signed a long-term promotional contract with the company. Smith, a 6-foot-2 southpaw from Washington, D.C., is considered the latest top talent to emerge from Barry Hunter’s renowned Headbangers Boxing Gym.
Smith, 25 (10-0, 7 KOs), is trained and managed by Hunter, who has previously worked with well-known names such as Gervonta Davis, Lamont Peterson, Isaac Dogboe, Adrien Broner, Austin Trout, and Sharmba Mitchell.
Smith’s debut under the Zuffa Boxing banner will be announced at a later date.
“Washington, D.C. has produced many great boxers, and I’m proud to carry on that tradition,” Smith said. “This marks the beginning of the ‘Sugar Sheed’ era, and I intend to take over the light heavyweight division. I want to thank Dana White, Nick Khan, and the entire Zuffa Boxing team for giving me the platform to showcase my skills.”
Smith grew up practicing taekwondo and watched UFC fights with his father before stepping into Hunter’s Boxing Gym for the first time at the age of ten. During his amateur career, he won five national titles, including gold medals at the 2022 National Golden Gloves and the USA National Championships. He also honed his skills in sparring sessions with top boxers such as Lamont Peterson, Shawn Porter, Erickson Lubin, and Jarrett Hurd.
In November 2023, Smith turned pro and scored a first-round knockout victory in his debut. Since then, he has already racked up six early-round wins within the first two rounds. Smith last stepped into the ring in April in Baltimore, where he defeated Michael Nelson by a clear decision.