Shakur Stevenson Finalizing Deal With Zuffa Boxing

Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix reported that junior welterweight champion Shakur Stevenson is working toward finalizing a deal with Zuffa Boxing. Multiple sources told Sports Illustrated that the guaranteed money offered by Zuffa proved too significant for Stevenson to ignore despite competing offers from other promoters.

Stevenson holds a record of 25-0 with 11 knockouts. He currently holds the WBO and Ring Magazine titles at junior welterweight. His most recent bout was a victory over Teofimo Lopez by a score of 119-109 at Madison Square Garden on January 31, 2026.

The development represents a change from March, when Stevenson dismissed a reported $60 million offer for three fights. Zuffa Boxing has indicated it will work with boxing's sanctioning bodies for top-level fighters even as it publicly positions itself against the traditional WBO, IBF, WBA and WBC structure.

That approach would allow Stevenson to retain his current titles, which are described as his most marketable assets.

If the deal is completed, Stevenson would become Zuffa Boxing's first true pound-for-pound, prime-age signing. The company has signed more than 90 fighters since its launch, with most being midlevel talent or veterans such as Jai Opetaia and Richardson Hitchins.

Recent additions have included Conor Benn on a $15 million one-fight contract. The signing would add a 28-year-old four-division world champion to the roster. It could also alter negotiation leverage for other top fighters approaching free agency by creating a third major option backed by Saudi capital and Paramount+ distribution alongside existing promoters.

The most immediate matchup under discussion is Stevenson against Conor Benn at welterweight. Benn is already under contract with Zuffa and fought Regis Prograis on April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The bout would align with Zuffa Boxing's emphasis on stadium events and could be scheduled for late 2026 in Las Vegas.

Stevenson earned between $8 million and $10 million for his fight against Lopez. The new agreement is expected to increase his per-fight purse. Zuffa has previously signaled plans for an event-driven schedule rather than frequent stay-busy bouts for its highest-profile signings.