Shakur Stevenson exits Zuffa after reported $7m offer, less than Conor Benn's $15m

Stevenson asked to be released 102 days after signing and never fought for the promotion. TKO president Mark Shapiro has said Saudi partner Sela, not TKO, paid British welterweight Benn's purse.

Shakur Stevenson has left Zuffa Boxing without having a fight for Dana White's promotion. Boxing reporter Sean Zittel said the four-division world champion turned down about $7 million to face Jose Valenzuela in January. Stevenson reportedly wanted $15 million a fight.

That is the figure British welterweight Conor Benn reportedly earned from Zuffa earlier this year for a one-fight deal against Regis Prograis. Benn accepted that offer when he left his long-time promoter, Eddie Hearn, and then signed a further five-fight deal that runs to 2028.

The two deals were funded differently. TKO president Mark Shapiro has said Saudi partner Sela paid Benn's purse, not TKO. Benn's fight was also on a Saudi-backed event rather than a regular Zuffa show.

Stevenson asked for his release after eight weeks in a training camp that did not lead to a fight. He left 102 days after signing with the promotion. Money has not been confirmed as the only reason he left. Stevenson was also frustrated that Zuffa could not get him the fights he wanted.

Hearn celebrated the split in a video on social media, and Stevenson shared it on his own accounts.

White has previously said Zuffa should be judged on its body of work going into 2027. He has promised major signings and a challenge to boxing's established order.

READ NEXTEddie Hearn says Zuffa made history by signing Shakur Stevenson and never giving him a fightRead the next story →

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