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Teddy Atlas reacts to Jai Opetaia signing a recent promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing

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Teddy Atlas reacts to Jai Opetaia signing new promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing

Teddy Atlas has expressed his opinion following the surprise announcement that IBF cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia has signed a contract with Zuffa Boxing.

The inaugural venture backed by Dana White and Turki Alalshikh is set to launch later this year, with Irish super welterweight Callum Walsh (15-0, 11 KO) headlining the 10-undefeated opening card against Carlos Ocampo (38-3, 26 KO) at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas.

Zuffa Boxing is already accelerating the implementation of further events in the first quarter of 2026including the February 14 heavyweight main event between Efe Ajagba and former world champion Charles Martin.

Securing Opetai’s signature represents a major coup. The Australian is widely considered one of the two best cruiserweights in the world – alongside WBA champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez – and one of the most devastating fighters in his division, with 23 knockouts in 29 professional victories.

Atlas, one of boxing’s most respected analysts and longtime creator of The Fight podcast, responded to the X news by warning another sport.

“I think they will do the same thing they did with golf and other sports and buy out the stars one by one.”

Atlas was referring to LIV Golf, a men’s professional tour financed by Saudi Arabia with support from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which launched in 2022 as direct competition to the established PGA Tour. LIV’s arrival sparked significant controversy, particularly criticism from major champions including Rory McIlroy, before he changed the landscape of professional golf by signing many of the world’s top players.

It’s unclear what this model might look like in boxing. White has repeatedly said he has no interest in working with the sport’s four main sanctioning bodies, but Opetaia made his ambitions clear in a video announcing the deal.

“Contract signed now with Zuffa Boxing. Pumped for the future. Stimulating times. Let’s get these large fights on the line. Unification, soon undisputed. Let’s go.”

The message has only increased uncertainty about Zuffa’s long-term intentions, especially if Opetaia continues to seek unification under a division administered by conventional sanctioning bodies.

There is no doubt, however, that this is the signing of a declaration – supported by significant financial muscles – and this may be just the beginning.

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Boxing

Bill Haney commented on the Keyshawn Davis situation, says Shakur Stevenson’s fight is the most significant

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Image: Bill Haney Addresses Keyshawn Davis Situation, Says Shakur Stevenson Fight Comes First

“This man said he wanted the number 144,” Bill told Fight Hub TV. “He said, ‘We’ve got to sit down like businessmen and make this happen,’ right? Well, we’ve already sat down like businessmen. We’re ready to make it happen.”

Elder Haney also rejected suggestions that the catchweight proposal would represent a sudden change of plans.

“It’s not so sudden. 144 is a welterweight. Are you crazy or what?” Haney said. “At welterweight, we range from 140 to 147.”

As the conversation turned to Keyshawn Davis and his position as a top contender for the WBO title, Haney repeatedly pointed to what he believed to be a better opportunity.

“What is the most significant boxing fight going on right now?” Haney asked. “Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney.”

Haney acknowledged that Davis remains part of the bigger picture, but pointed out that Stevenson’s matchup has been years in the making.

“This case has been brewing for seven, eight, nine, 10 years, whatever it was,” Haney said. “Just rest and we’ll get it done. He’s on the list. He was on the list before he was on the list, and he’ll stay on the list.”

Time will tell if the fight comes to fruition, but Bill Haney’s comments were perhaps the strongest indication yet that Team Haney is sedate about racing Stevenson at the proposed catchweight of 144 pounds.

The situation could become more complicated if the WBO formally orders Haney to fulfill his mandatory obligation to Davis. Until then, it appears the Haneys are turning their attention to what they believe is the biggest fight available.

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Boxing

Oscar De La Hoya says Gervonta Davis doesn’t deserve to have an undefeated record before her comeback

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Oscar De La Hoya says that Gervonta Davis does not deserve undefeated record ahead of comeback

Oscar De La Hoya believes Gervonta Davis’ professional record should see a loss ahead of his potential comeback fight.

It is said that the 31-year-old is in negotiations for a fight for the WBA lightweight title with Floyd Schofield Jr, offering “Tank” the opportunity to regain his elderly belt.

Davis defended his world title after: controversial draw with Lamont Roach in March 2025, but has since become the sanctioning body’s “halt champion” at 135 pounds.

This is partly due to his passivity, but also to the American’s problems outside the ring, where he faced accusations of domestic violence.

However, it currently appears that Davis could return to action soon, with a potential fight with Schofield set for September or October.

These negotiations involve Schofield’s promoter, Golden Boy boss De La Hoya, who insists that “Tank” should suffer his first professional defeat in the match against Roach.

Their match ended in a draw after referee Steve Willis ruled against a knockdown in round nine when Davis clearly touched the canvas following a shot by Roach.

As a result, De La Hoya said Fighting Hub TV that Roach should have back-to-back victories over “Tank” and Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, whom he boxed in December to a less controversial draw.

“Roach is a great fighter in his own right. He has some really good wins under his belt. I say he wins because I think he really won against ‘Tank’ Davis and I think he did a great job against ‘Pitbull.’

If Davis and Schofield’s respective teams are unable to reach an agreement by June 22, their mandate quarterback will be sent to a bidding hearing.

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Shakur Stevenson accuses Devin Haney of ‘false public negotiations’ after £144 settlement

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Image: Shakur Stevenson Accuses Devin Haney of "Fake Public Negotiations" After 144-Pound Agreement

Potential negotiations between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson have taken another public turn after Stevenson accused his rival of engaging in “false public negotiations” following Haney’s latest comments on social media.

Haney appeared frustrated after previously agreeing to Stevenson’s proposed catchweight of 144 pounds, suggesting that even accepting those terms did not bring the fight any closer to becoming a reality.


“144 is not enough…I still don’t want to fight! Damn…@ShakurStevenson,” Haney wrote X.

Shakur later responded by dismissing this public exchange as a impoverished reflection of how main event fights actually unfold.

“The same thing you all did with Rolly. All those counterfeit public negotiations… The real negotiations take place offline.” I am the truth that you will see when you stand before me!!” Shakur posted.

Shakiur previously considered 144 pounds to be a fair compromise in a potential showdown with Haney, who has competed at welterweight in his most recent outings. Haney then signaled his willingness to accept the catchweight offer, sparking optimism that one of boxing’s most talked-about fights could gain momentum.

The latest exchange came shortly after the WBO confirmed that Haney must either defend his welterweight title against mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis or risk losing the belt. While neither Haney nor Stevenson directly addressed the situation in their recent posts, the article did add another note to any future negotiations involving the former two-division world champions.

With Haney facing a WBO title decision and Shakur insisting that stern negotiations will take place behind closed doors, the pressure is now on both camps to determine whether the fight can go beyond an online exchange.

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Categories Devin Haney, Keyshawn Davis and Shakur Stevenson

Last update: 2026/06/12 at 21:45

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