With WBO champion Shakur Stevenson, Zuffa Boxing has signed another top fighter to its growing roster.
The up-and-coming Zuffa Boxing has secured the services of another top star in Shakur Stevenson. The 29-year-old WBO light welterweight world champion signed a contract Thursday with the boxing promotion led by CEO Dana White.
“I’m going to defeat them all”
“Line them all up one after another, and I’ll defeat all the top fighters as soon as I have them in front of me,” Stevenson said after signing the contract. “With Zuffa Boxing, I’ll be aiming for the biggest fights in the sport and becoming the world’s number-one ‘pound-for-pound’ boxer.”
The undefeated American (25-0, 11 KOs) has previously won world titles in the featherweight (WBO), super featherweight (WBO and WBC), and lightweight (WBC) divisions. In late January, Stevenson impressed with a dominant victory, winning by unanimous decision against Teofimo Lopez and capturing the WBO light welterweight title. “Ring Magazine” currently ranks the southpaw from Newark, New Jersey, third on its pound-for-pound list.
Is the mega-fight against Haney coming up now?
“Shakur is one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world,” said Zuffa CEO Dana White in a press release. “He’s a huge addition to Zuffa Boxing, and I’m looking forward to promoting his next fight.” Stevenson’s deal could pave the way for a potential high-profile “catchweight” bout against the also undefeated Devin Haney. The reigning WBO welterweight champion is also reportedly close to signing a contract with Zuffa Boxing.
Stevenson is already the second reigning world champion—after cruiserweight star Jai Opetaia —to join the Zuffa Boxing roster. In addition, top fighters such as Conor Benn, Edgar Berlanga, Richardson Hitchins, and Chris Billam-Smith are stepping into the ring for the ambitious boxing promotion.
Text: Frank Schwantes