“Ink = Dry ✍️
Let’s get it, @ShakurStevenson.”
The announcement ends speculation about Stevenson’s future after months of discussion over whether he would become one of the centerpiece fighters in Dana White’s new boxing venture.
Shakur (25-0, 11 KOs), an Olympic silver medalist and current world champion at super lightweight, is regarded as one of the sport’s most technically gifted fighters. His addition gives Zuffa another established titleholder as the company prepares to launch its first major events.
The signing comes less than three weeks before Zuffa Boxing 09, scheduled for July 26 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The card is headlined by Richardson Hitchins defending his IBF junior welterweight title against Eduardo Salas, while Edgar Berlanga faces Butler in the co-feature. The event will stream live on Paramount+.
Financial terms of Shakur’s agreement were not disclosed. Fans responding to the announcement immediately speculated about the size of the deal and which opponents could eventually be matched against him under the Zuffa banner.
Shakur’s signing is another significant step in Zuffa Boxing’s effort to assemble a roster capable of competing with boxing’s established promoters. While his first fight under the new promotional banner has not yet been announced, his arrival immediately strengthens the company’s stable ahead of its July 26 showcase in New York.
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