Shakur Stevenson Linked to Fight With Devin Haney

New Zuffa Promotion, Fresh Priorities

Shakur Stevenson has officially joined Zuffa Boxing, confirming a deal that many saw coming after weeks of speculation. The former Unclosed champion said his debut with the Dana White‑run promotion will likely take place in October. Stevenson’s immediate target is three‑division champ Devin Haney, telling the media he is ready to step into the ring with the former WBO 147‑pound holder.

Potential Showdown at 144 Pounds

Talks have centered around a 144‑pound catchweight, which would leave the champion’s title on the line unclear. Haney is still obligated to defend his welterweight belt against mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis, complicating any title‑on‑the‑line scenario. Stevenson indicated he has verbally agreed to the October matchup, though Haney’s status remains uncertain.

Deal Dynamics and Rivals

Zuffa’s backing from Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh opens doors to all major sanctioning bodies, a shift from earlier restrictions. Stevenson previously received a substantial offer from DAZN, but the broadcaster’s delayed response caused the talks to falter. The fighter noted that DAZN’s proposal was similar in scale to what Zuffa presented.

How the Bout Fits Into Stevenson’s Career

At 25‑0 with 11 knockouts, Stevenson already holds the WBO featherweight title and is ranked fourth among pound‑for‑pound boxers by Unclosed. A win over Haney would add another elite name to his résumé and signal a major promotional push for Zuffa Boxing. The fight also showcases Stevenson’s ability to command attention across multiple weight classes.

Future Prospects

Stevenson plans to appear on both Turki Alalshikh’s Ring Magazine shows and Zuffa’s Paramount+ events, retaining creative control over his brand. He will not be bound by any uniform requirements that other series fighters have faced. This dual‑platform approach could set a new template for how top boxers market themselves in the evolving broadcast landscape.

The intrigue surrounding the potential Stevenson‑Haney clash is already generating buzz among fans and industry insiders alike. As October draws near, both sides will likely work to finalize the details, ensuring the fight lives up to the hype built over recent months.