Zuffa Boxing Could Build Major In-House Fights Around Shakur Stevenson, Devin Haney

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Stevenson was reported Thursday to be finalizing an settlement with Zuffa, whereas Haney has continued fueling hypothesis a couple of large new promotional deal after current feedback from his father, Invoice Haney.

If each fighters land with Zuffa, they’d be part of a rising secure that already consists of Conor Benn and Richardson Hitchins.

That may instantly create a number of potential in-house matchups able to producing main consideration with out the promotional roadblocks that usually delay large boxing fights.

The report from Mannix on Friday is the strongest affirmation but that Dana White is shifting from signing prospects and gatekeepers to amassing elite, prime-age champions. If Shakur Stevenson finalizes this transfer, it successfully ends the “promotional purgatory” he’s been in since leaving Prime Rank.

Zuffa is quickly constructing a 140 to 147-pound gauntlet that appears like a UFC division. By securing Shakur, they aren’t simply getting a technician; they’re getting a fighter who lately dominated Teofimo Lopez in January and holds the WBO and Ring Journal titles at junior welterweight.

The Zuffa “Shark Tank” at 140-147 lbs

The roster is changing into extremely top-heavy with expertise that has struggled to get large fights made beneath the previous guard:

Shakur Stevenson: The technical flooring of the division and a sitting champion.
Devin Haney: If that $100 million deal is actual, he turns into the centerpiece. He’s already a three-division champ after taking the WBO welterweight belt from Brian Norman Jr. in November.
Conor Benn: The “motion” fighter of the group who brings large UK eyes and a $15 million price ticket.
Richardson Hitchins: The high-IQ operator who simply signed and is already calling for a Haney struggle.

The New Actuality for Haney vs. Shakur

The “U will see” publish from Haney is beginning to appear to be a warning to the remainder of the trade. For years, promoters protected these two from one another as a result of a loss would “kill their worth.”

Below the Zuffa/TKO construction, which is bankrolled by Saudi capital and headed by Nick Khan and Dana White, that protectionism normally disappears. They function on the “League” mannequin, the place the very best are pressured into an in-house event.

Key Components in a Potential Matchup

Assured Purses: Shakur reportedly turned down $60 million for 3 fights in March, however Mannix signifies the brand new “assured cash” was an excessive amount of to disregard. This implies the Zuffa provides are eclipsing something Matchroom or PBC can realistically put up.

Sanctioning Physique Politics: Zuffa has already proven they don’t thoughts their fighters being stripped (like Jai Opetaia or Richardson Hitchins) as a result of they’re constructing their very own “Zuffa Championship” model. Nevertheless, for a Haney-Shakur struggle, they may “play ball” with the WBO simply to maintain the undisputed status connected.

The Type Conflict: You might have two of the very best defensive minds within the sport. Up to now, no community needed to pay $20 million+ every for a “observe meet.” However with a $100 million funding in Haney, Zuffa is clearly betting on the “Mayweather” enterprise mannequin—promoting the “unbeatable” aura moderately than simply the highlights.

The opportunity of these 4 squaring off is probably the most important improvement within the sport as a result of it alerts the tip of the “Sanctioning Physique Period” and the beginning of the “League Period.”

If Zuffa follows the UFC blueprint, they received’t care about “defending an O.” They’ll care concerning the Zuffa Boxing Championship and the reside gates at Allegiant Stadium or the Sphere. Right here is how that four-way panorama seemingly shakes out:

1. The “Face of the League” Matchup: Haney vs. ShakurIf the rumors of Haney’s $100 million deal and Shakur’s $60 million three-fight supply are correct, Zuffa is basically paying them “Mayweather cash.”

The Logic: You don’t pay that form of money for tune-ups. That is the “high-IQ” mega-fight. Since Shakur simply beat Teofimo Lopez in January and Haney lately took the WBO welterweight belt, this might seemingly be for the inaugural Zuffa Undisputed title at 147.

The Hurdle: Each are defensive masters. Zuffa may pair them with aggressive “dance companions” first to construct the spotlight reels earlier than placing them in with one another.

2. The Collision Course: Richardson Hitchins vs. Devin HaneyHitchins has already been vocal about wanting Haney in 2026.

The Narrative: Hitchins is the “purist’s favourite” who simply vacated his IBF belt to hitch Zuffa. This can be a good “in-house” rivalry.

The Technique: Dana White loves a storyline. If Hitchins retains calling out the “$100 million man,” Zuffa may simply market this because the “Battle of the Technicians.”

3. The “Motion” Bridge: Conor BennBenn is the outlier right here. Whereas Shakur, Haney, and Hitchins are technical wizards, Benn is a front-foot stress fighter.

The Wildcard: Benn is coming off an enormous $15 million payday towards Regis Prograis and a contemporary five-fight extension.

The Matchup: Benn vs. Shakur is probably the most intriguing “conflict of types.” It’s the basic “Bull vs. Matador.” Mannix even hinted at this as a possible Las Vegas stadium headliner for late 2026.

Why Mismatches are Unlikely

Zuffa’s enterprise mannequin is constructed on Subscription and PPV worth. To justify the large Saudi funding (rumored to be 60% of the enterprise), they want “Occasion-Pushed” playing cards.

Inside Rankings: Anticipate Zuffa to launch their very own rankings quickly. If Haney is #1 and Shakur is #2, the league construction makes it virtually unattainable for them to keep away from one another for years.

No Extra “Marinating”: Within the previous guard, promoters anxious a couple of loss, “killing” a fighter’s worth. In a league, a loss simply means a “rematch” or a “comeback path” narrative, precisely just like the UFC.