Shakur Stevenson and Zuffa Boxing: The Rumors, The Reality, and Who Could Be Next
The boxing landscape may be on the verge of its biggest promotional shake-up in decades.
After months of speculation, reports and comments from Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn suggest that Shakur Stevenson has signed with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, the new promotion backed by Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh and TKO Group Holdings. While Zuffa has yet to make a formal announcement, multiple reports indicate Stevenson is now one of the promotion’s marquee acquisitions. (Instagram)
For hardcore boxing fans, this isn’t just another promotional signing. It could be a signal that Zuffa is serious about building a roster capable of challenging boxing’s traditional power brokers.
What Is Zuffa Boxing?
Zuffa Boxing is a new boxing promotion created by Dana White and Turki Alalshikh under the TKO umbrella, the same company that owns the UFC and WWE. The promotion officially launched in 2025 with the goal of bringing a UFC-style business model to professional boxing. (CBS Sports)
The company is reportedly owned through a joint venture between Saudi entertainment giant Sela and TKO Group Holdings, with Sela holding a majority stake and TKO serving as the managing partner. Dana White is overseeing the boxing operation alongside key executives from both organizations. (Wikipedia)
The name “Zuffa” will sound familiar to MMA fans. Zuffa was the company created by Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta when they purchased the UFC in 2001. The brand became synonymous with the UFC’s rise from a niche combat sport into a global powerhouse. (Wikipedia)
Now Dana White is attempting to replicate that success in boxing.
Shakur Stevenson Appears To Be the Biggest Signing Yet
Rumors linking Shakur Stevenson to Zuffa have circulated for weeks, but the speculation intensified when Dana White publicly hinted at the deal before Eddie Hearn later stated that Stevenson had officially signed. Reports suggest the agreement could be worth approximately $15 million per fight. (MMA Mania)
If true, it represents a major loss for traditional promoters and a massive win for Zuffa.
Stevenson is widely regarded as one of boxing’s most technically gifted fighters. Although critics often target his fighting style, there is no questioning his talent. For a new promotion seeking credibility, landing an undefeated champion in his prime sends a powerful message.
Devin Haney Rumors Refuse To Go Away
Perhaps the most intriguing name connected to Zuffa is Devin Haney.
Reports throughout the spring suggested Haney was also in discussions regarding a long-term deal with the promotion. Dana White fueled those rumors when asked about Haney and Stevenson potentially joining the company, responding with a grin and suggesting that “everybody’s going to be here eventually.” (MMA Mania)
If Zuffa manages to secure both Stevenson and Haney, it would immediately create one of the most marketable in-house matchups in boxing.
A Stevenson-Haney fight has been discussed for years. Negotiations, promotional barriers, and competing interests have always stood in the way. Under one promotional umbrella, those obstacles become much easier to remove.
Other Fighters Who Could Join
While no official announcements have been made regarding several top stars, industry insiders continue to speculate that Zuffa’s financial backing could attract more elite names.
The promotion has already demonstrated a willingness to spend aggressively and secure fighters with substantial guarantees. Conor Benn became one of the early headline acquisitions, and many observers believe more champions and contenders could follow if the money remains available. (MMA Mania)
Potential targets frequently mentioned in boxing circles include:
- Devin Haney
- Teofimo Lopez
- Jaron “Boots” Ennis
- Keyshawn Davis
- Jared Anderson
- International stars looking for larger guaranteed purses
Whether those moves materialize remains to be seen, but Zuffa’s strategy appears clear: acquire recognizable names and make the fights fans have been demanding.
Can Zuffa Actually Change Boxing?
That’s the billion-dollar question.
Dana White has repeatedly argued that boxing’s biggest problem is fragmentation. Too many promoters, too many networks, and too many sanctioning bodies have historically made major fights difficult to arrange. Zuffa’s vision is to centralize talent in the same way the UFC controls elite MMA. (Yahoo Sports)
Critics, however, remain skeptical. Eddie Hearn recently questioned whether the business model is sustainable and whether the enormous fighter guarantees can continue long term. (Bad Left Hook)
Still, one thing is undeniable: when Saudi money, Dana White, and TKO enter a market, the entire industry pays attention.
Final Bell
A year ago, the idea of Shakur Stevenson leaving the traditional boxing ecosystem for Dana White’s new promotion sounded far-fetched.
Today, it appears to be reality.
If Stevenson is indeed the first elite pound-for-pound level star to commit fully to Zuffa Boxing, he may not be the last. With Devin Haney heavily linked, more rumors surfacing every month, and billions in financial backing behind the project, Zuffa Boxing is quickly becoming the biggest disruptor the sport has seen in a generation.
The real question isn’t whether Zuffa is coming.
It’s how much of boxing they’ll own when the dust settles.