Shakur Stevenson Says Zuffa Granted His Release

Shakur Stevenson says Zuffa Boxing granted his request to leave the promotion, making him a free agent before he fought on one of its cards. He plans to start his own promotional company and pursue bouts at 135 or 140 pounds, while remaining open to working with other promoters and networks. Stevenson announced his departure in a video posted October 19, saying his release was granted over the weekend. He signed with Zuffa in July and said he spent about eight weeks in training camp preparing for fights he had been told would happen. He said those bouts did not materialize and that he was not blaming anyone. No release document or terms have been made public in the supplied accounts. The split followed unsuccessful efforts to arrange fights, including negotiations with Devin Haney. The accounts of the Haney talks differ: Haney said he agreed to fight at 145 pounds but that Stevenson sought a rehydration clause, while Stevenson said Haney’s side later wanted the bout at 147 pounds. The available information does not establish which account is correct. Zuffa’s position on the negotiations was relayed by Dan Rafael. According to that account, the promotion sought high-profile...