Boxing
Zuffa Boxing is pushing for offers from Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney
Potential signings would put Stevenson, Haney, Conor Benn and Richardson Hitchins under one promotional banner
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Due to ongoing talks with Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney, Zuffa Boxing is close to a major overhaul of the junior welterweight and welterweight divisions. If both deals are completed, the company will suddenly have control of some of boxing’s biggest names in the 140- to 147-pound weight class.
It was reported on Thursday that Stevenson is finalizing an agreement with Zuffa, while Haney continues to fuel speculation of a massive novel endorsement deal following recent comments from his father, Bill Haney.
If both fighters land at Zuffa, they will join a growing stable that already includes Conor Benn and Richardson Hitchins.
That would immediately create some potential internal fights that could attract a lot of attention without the promotional holdouts that often delay substantial boxing bouts.
Friday’s report from Mannix is the strongest confirmation yet that Dana White is moving from acquiring prospects and goaltenders to collecting elite prime-time champions. If Shakur Stevenson completes this move, it will effectively end the “promotional purgatory” he has been in since leaving Top Rank.
Zuffa is quickly building a 140- to 147-pound glove that looks like a UFC division. When securing Shakur, they don’t just hire a technician; they get a fighter who recently dominated Teofimo Lopez in January and holds the WBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight titles.
Zuffa “Shark Tank” weighing 140-147 pounds
The list is becoming incredibly opulent with talent who struggled to pull off substantial fights under the ancient guard:
- Shakur Stevenson: Division technical floor and seated champion.
- Devin Haney: If this $100 million deal is real, it will become a centerpiece. He is already a three-division champion after receiving the WBO welterweight belt from Brian Norman Jr. in November.
- Conor Benn: The group’s “action” warrior who has huge British eyes and a $15 million price tag.
- Richardson Hitchins: A high IQ operator who just signed a contract and is already calling for a fight with Haney.
Novel reality for Haney vs. Shakur
Haney’s “You’ll See” post is starting to look like a warning to the rest of the industry. For years, promoters shielded the two from each other because a loss would “kill their value.”
In the Zuffa/TKO structure, financed by Saudi capital and led by Nick Khan and Dana White, this protectionism tends to fade away. They operate in a “league” model in which the best players are forced to participate in an internal tournament.
Key factors of a potential matchup
Guaranteed bags: Shakur reportedly turned down $60 million for three fights in March, but Mannix points out the novel “guaranteed money” is too much to ignore. This suggests that Zuffa’s offerings dwarf anything Matchroom or PBC could realistically put out.
Sanctioning Bodies Policy: Zuffa has already shown that they don’t mind stripping players (like Jai Opetaia and Richardson Hitchins) as they build their own brand of “Zuffa Championship.” However, in the event of a Haney-Shakur fight, they could “play ball” with the WBO to maintain undisputed prestige.
Style clash: You have two of the best defensive minds in the sport. Historically, no network has been willing to pay more than $20 million for an “on-track meeting.” But by investing $100 million in Haney, Zuffa is clearly banking on the “Mayweather” business model – selling an “unbeatable” aura, not just highlights.
The possibility of these four facing off is the most significant event in sports because it signals the end of the “sanctioning body era” and the beginning of the “league era.”
If Zuffa follows the UFC’s plan, they won’t care about “protecting O.” They will cover the Zuffa Boxing Championship and live gates at Allegiant Stadium or Sfera. Here’s how this four-way landscape likely shapes up:
1. “Face of the League” match: Haney vs. Shakur
If the rumors about Haney’s $100 million deal and Shakur’s three-fight $60 million offer are true, Zuffa is essentially paying them “Mayweather money.”
Logic: you don’t pay that much money for tuning. This is a “high IQ” megafight. Since Shakur just defeated Teofimo Lopez in January and Haney recently won the WBO welterweight belt, this will likely be Zuffa Undisputed’s inaugural 147 title.
Obstacle: Both are masters of defense. Zuffa can first combine them with aggressive “dance partners” to create highlight reels, and then combine them together.
2. Collision Course: Richardson Hitchins vs. Devin Haney
Hitchins has already been vocal about wanting Haney in 2026.
Plot: Hitchins is a “purist’s darling” who has just vacated the IBF belt to join Zuffa. This is a perfect “internal” competition.
Strategy: Dana White loves plot. If Hitchins continues to call for “the $100 million man,” Zuffa will easily advertise it as a “battle of the techies.”
3. Bridge of Action: Conor Benn
Benn is an exception here. While Shakur, Haney and Hitchins are technical wizards, Benn is an upfront fighter.
Wild Card: Benn will receive a massive $15 million payday against Regis Prograis and a five-fight extension.
Matchup: Benn vs. Shakur is the most intriguing “clash of styles”. It’s classic “Bull vs. Matador”. Mannix even hinted at it as a potential Las Vegas stadium headliner in tardy 2026.
Why mismatches are unlikely
Zuffa’s business model is based on subscription and PPV. To justify Saudi Arabia’s huge investment (reportedly 60% of the venture), they need “event-driven” cards.
Internal Rankings: Expect Zuffa to release its own rankings soon. If Haney is No. 1 and Shakur is No. 2, the league’s structure makes it almost impossible for them to avoid each other for years.
If Stevenson and Haney finalize the deal, Zuffa would immediately take control of several substantial fights at 140-147 pounds without the promotional barriers that have delayed fights across the division for years.
Last update: 2026/05/09 at 4:14
Teofimo Lopez publicly questioned Dana White after a video from the BrandRisk event at UFC Apex spread across the internet, showing Dana walking past him at the commentary desk with no apparent greeting or acknowledgment.
The clip went viral on social media this week and sparked a backlash from Teofimo, who used the moment to question the treatment of martial arts champions.
This shows how much they care about us fighters/champions!
Don’t tell me it’s business, nothing personal, when our business is personal.Parents! Should something like this happen to your son or daughter? @Goldenglovesorg @USABoxing @Olympics https://t.co/1KWOmHrgCL
— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) May 29, 2026
The video shows White and UFC director Hunter Campbell walking through the room while Lopez sits in the commentary box. White appears to look towards Teofimo, then walks towards his seat without stopping.
The exchange quickly became a topic of discussion online, with fans debating whether the moment was an intentional slight or simply a byproduct of the frenetic atmosphere surrounding the celebrity event.
Teofimo had previously given a positive review of BrandRisk’s performance, calling it an unforgettable evening. However, his reaction to the clip turned the brief interaction into a broader discussion about respect and appreciation for players.
The timing is noteworthy because Lopez’s name has repeatedly come up in conversations about TKO’s planned Zuffa Boxing venture. Teofimo has spoken out about the project in the past, while criticizing the customary system of championship belts in boxing.
Neither White nor Campbell has publicly responded to Teofimo’s comments.
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Last updated: 29/05/2026 at 17:43
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