Zuffa Boxing are edging toward a deal with one of the best boxers in the entire sport, Shakur Stevenson, according to a Sports Illustrated newsletter.<\/p>\n
The upstart fight firm, a long-running concept that only organized its first event early this year, has made waves not just from the consistency of its roll-out but for the talent it has added to its roster, including, but not limited to, Jai Opetaia, Jose Valenzuela, and Conor Benn.<\/p>\n
It was the Benn signing in particular that sent shockwaves through the industry. Previously, Benn was aligned with Matchroom, and the company chairman, Eddie Hearn, was a staunch advocate of Benn during a low-point in the British slugger\u2019s career when he tested positive for a banned substance.<\/p>\n
This risked reputational damage on Hearn, specifically, but, regardless, when Zuffa came knocking with a $15 million, one-fight deal, Benn answered. He out-pointed Regis Prograis on a lackluster debut and recommitted to Zuffa for a 2.5-year, 5-fight contract extension.<\/p>\n
Zuffa\u2019s roster is substantial but lacks legitimate star power outside of Benn and Opetaia.<\/p>\n
Stevenson, though, as reported by Sports Illustrated, is getting close to signing, too, it reported.<\/p>\n
\u201c140-pound titleholder, Shakur Stevenson, is finalizing a deal with Zuffa,\u201d SI reporter, Chris Mannix, said. \u201cStevenson set to join Conor Benn as the most high profile names in the Zuffa stable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reporting here: 140-pound titleholder Shakur Stevenson is finalizing a deal with Zuffa Boxing. Stevenson set to join Conor Benn as the most high profile names in the Zuffa stable. https:\/\/t.co\/qlzdfRo0di<\/a><\/p>\n