Rumors about a potential $60 million three-fight deal between Shakur Stevenson and Zuffa Boxing have sparked major discussion across the boxing world. Fans, promoters, and fighters have been speculating about whether the undefeated champion could become one of the first major stars tied to Dana White’s new boxing venture.
But according to Stevenson himself, the situation may not be as concrete as the rumors suggest.
The story gained traction because Stevenson is widely viewed as one of the sport’s elite talents, and Zuffa Boxing is positioning itself as a disruptive force in professional boxing. The promotion, backed by TKO Group Holdings and Saudi partners, aims to reshape the industry using a UFC-style promotional model.
However, Stevenson recently addressed the speculation directly, and his response was surprisingly candid.
His response made headlines across the boxing media.
“Not that I know of, but if they’re offering $60 million, call my phone — I’m ready.”
The comment made it clear that Stevenson has not confirmed any signed deal with the promotion. At the same time, he openly admitted that he would seriously consider such an offer if it were real.
Reports also noted that Stevenson recently delivered one of the most impressive performances of his career when he dominated Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden earlier this year, which has only increased his market value and negotiating power.
The promotion aims to modernize boxing by adopting a centralized promotional structure similar to the UFC. Instead of multiple promoters controlling different fighters, Zuffa Boxing intends to build a league-style system featuring elite matchups and consistent events.
The organization has already hosted events and secured broadcasting deals, with fights scheduled to stream on major platforms such as Paramount+.
Signing a high-profile champion like Stevenson would help legitimize the promotion’s ambitions and bring immediate star power.
One rumored matchup mentioned by boxing insiders involves a possible fight with Conor Benn, depending on the outcome of Benn’s upcoming fights.
If the promotion continues to attract big names, Stevenson could also face elite fighters from the lightweight and super-lightweight divisions. High-profile opponents would be essential for justifying the massive paydays associated with rumored deals like the $60 million package.
Some analysts believe a deal of that size could signal the beginning of a new era in boxing promotion, where fighters gain more leverage and higher purses through competition between promoters.
Others remain skeptical. Traditional boxing promoters have questioned whether Zuffa’s model can truly succeed in a sport that has historically operated through multiple sanctioning bodies and promotional companies.
Criticism has already surfaced from some industry figures who believe Zuffa’s attempt to reshape the sport could create conflicts with existing boxing structures and titles.
For Stevenson, the rumors reflect his rising influence in the sport.
The undefeated champion has steadily built a reputation as one of boxing’s most technically skilled fighters, and major promotional companies are aware of his value. If a deal like the rumored Zuffa contract ever materializes, it could significantly alter the balance of power among promoters competing for elite talent.
Even without a confirmed agreement, Stevenson's response shows that he is open to exploring opportunities that maximize both competition and financial rewards.
For now, the speculation highlights two major trends shaping boxing in 2026:
But according to Stevenson himself, the situation may not be as concrete as the rumors suggest.
The Rumor Mill
Over the past few weeks, reports circulated claiming that Shakur Stevenson could sign a lucrative three-fight deal worth around $60 million with Zuffa Boxing. The rumor quickly spread through boxing media, fueling speculation about the future of the lightweight champion and the direction of Dana White’s new promotion.The story gained traction because Stevenson is widely viewed as one of the sport’s elite talents, and Zuffa Boxing is positioning itself as a disruptive force in professional boxing. The promotion, backed by TKO Group Holdings and Saudi partners, aims to reshape the industry using a UFC-style promotional model.
However, Stevenson recently addressed the speculation directly, and his response was surprisingly candid.
Stevenson Responds to the $60 Million Deal Rumor
During a recent interview, Stevenson was asked directly about the rumored $60 million Zuffa Boxing contract.His response made headlines across the boxing media.
“Not that I know of, but if they’re offering $60 million, call my phone — I’m ready.”
The comment made it clear that Stevenson has not confirmed any signed deal with the promotion. At the same time, he openly admitted that he would seriously consider such an offer if it were real.
Reports also noted that Stevenson recently delivered one of the most impressive performances of his career when he dominated Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden earlier this year, which has only increased his market value and negotiating power.
Why Zuffa Boxing Is Targeting Elite Fighters
Zuffa Boxing officially launched in 2025 through a partnership between Dana White, Turki Alalshikh, and TKO Group Holdings, the parent company behind the UFC and WWE.
The promotion aims to modernize boxing by adopting a centralized promotional structure similar to the UFC. Instead of multiple promoters controlling different fighters, Zuffa Boxing intends to build a league-style system featuring elite matchups and consistent events.
The organization has already hosted events and secured broadcasting deals, with fights scheduled to stream on major platforms such as Paramount+.
Signing a high-profile champion like Stevenson would help legitimize the promotion’s ambitions and bring immediate star power.
Potential Opponents Being Discussed
Although nothing has been confirmed, insiders have suggested that potential matchups for Stevenson under the Zuffa banner could include major names across multiple divisions.One rumored matchup mentioned by boxing insiders involves a possible fight with Conor Benn, depending on the outcome of Benn’s upcoming fights.
If the promotion continues to attract big names, Stevenson could also face elite fighters from the lightweight and super-lightweight divisions. High-profile opponents would be essential for justifying the massive paydays associated with rumored deals like the $60 million package.
Industry Reaction to the Rumor
The rumor has drawn mixed reactions from within the boxing industry.Some analysts believe a deal of that size could signal the beginning of a new era in boxing promotion, where fighters gain more leverage and higher purses through competition between promoters.
Others remain skeptical. Traditional boxing promoters have questioned whether Zuffa’s model can truly succeed in a sport that has historically operated through multiple sanctioning bodies and promotional companies.
Criticism has already surfaced from some industry figures who believe Zuffa’s attempt to reshape the sport could create conflicts with existing boxing structures and titles.
What This Means for Stevenson’s Future
For Stevenson, the rumors reflect his rising influence in the sport.
The undefeated champion has steadily built a reputation as one of boxing’s most technically skilled fighters, and major promotional companies are aware of his value. If a deal like the rumored Zuffa contract ever materializes, it could significantly alter the balance of power among promoters competing for elite talent.
Even without a confirmed agreement, Stevenson's response shows that he is open to exploring opportunities that maximize both competition and financial rewards.
What’s Next
The rumored $60 million three-fight deal between Shakur Stevenson and Zuffa Boxing remains unconfirmed. Stevenson himself says he has not been offered such a contract, but he also made it clear he would happily answer the phone if the offer came.For now, the speculation highlights two major trends shaping boxing in 2026:
- Fighters are gaining more negotiating power
- New promotional companies are entering the sport with major financial backing
