Zuffa Boxing May Build Big Domestic Fights Around Shakur Stevenson, Devin Haney.

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Stevenson was reported to be finalizing a deal with Zuffa on Thursday, while Haney continued to fuel speculation about a new promotional deal after recent comments from his father, Bill Haney.

If both fighters stay with Zuffa, they could join a growing stable that already includes Conor Benn and Richardson Hitchins.

That will quickly create more in-house matchups that can bring massive attention without the advertising hurdles that often delay boxing’s biggest fights.

The report from Mannix on Friday is the strongest confirmation that Dana White has moved on from signing with the gatekeepers but has collected some top-level champions. If Shakur Stevenson completes this move, it effectively ends the “promotional purgatory” he’s been in since leaving Top Rank.

Zuffa is quickly building a 140- to 147-pound gauntlet that looks like the UFC’s division. By getting Shakur, they aren’t just getting a pro; they got the newly reigning fighter Teofimo Lopez in January who holds the WBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight titles.

Zuffa “Shark Tank” at 140-147 lbs

The list gets tougher with talent that has struggled to get big fights under the old guard:

• Shakur Stevenson: The technical floor of the division and the reigning champion.
• Devin Haney: If that $100 million deal is real, he’s a prime mover. He is already a three-division champion after taking the WBO welterweight belt from Brian Norman Jr. in November.
• Conor Benn: The team’s “action” fighter brings big UK eyes and a $15 million price tag.
• Richardson Hitchins: A high IQ operator who just signed on and is already calling Haney’s fight.

The New Truth of Haney vs. Shakur

The “You’ll see” post from Haney is starting to sound like a warning to the entire industry. For years, promoters defended both of them because a loss would “kill their value.”

Under the Zuffa/TKO framework, bankrolled in Saudi capital and owned by Nick Khan and Dana White, that protection often disappears. They use a “League” model, where the best are forced into an internal competition.

Key Features in Probability Matching

Guaranteed bags: Shakur reportedly turned down $60 million for three fights in March, but Mannix indicates the “guaranteed money” was too much to ignore. This suggests that Zuffa’s offering surpasses anything that Matchroom or PBC can realistically offer.

Endorsement of Body Politic: Zuffa has shown that he has no problem taking down their fighters (such as Jai Opetaia or Richardson Hitchins) because they have created the name “Zuffa Championship” for themselves. However, with the Haney-Shakur fight, they may be “playing ball” with the WBO just to keep the undisputed honor.

Clash of Style: He has two of the best defensive minds in the sport. In the past, no network wanted to pay $20 million+ each for a “song convention.” But with a $100 million investment in Haney, Zuffa is clearly betting on the “Mayweather” business model—selling an “invincible” aura rather than just being dominant.

The fact that these four may split is a very important development in sports because it marks the end of the “Corporal Punishment Era” and the beginning of the “League Era.”

If Zuffa follows the UFC’s plan, he won’t be concerned about “protecting the O.” They will care about the Zuffa Boxing Championship and the live gates of Allegiant Stadium or the Sphere. Here’s how that quadrilateral might move:

1. “Face of the League” Game: Haney vs. Shakur
If the rumors of Haney’s $100 million deal and Shakur’s $60 million offer for three fights are accurate, Zuffa is actually paying them “Mayweather money.”

Concept: You don’t pay that kind of money when you fix things. This is a “high-IQ” war-fight. With Shakur having just beaten Teofimo Lopez in January and Haney having just taken the WBO welterweight belt, this could be Zuffa’s first Undisputed title at 147.

Cons: Both are masters of defense. Zuffa may pair them with aggressive “dance partners” first to create highlight reels before putting them in the middle.

2. Collision Course: Richardson Hitchins vs. Devin Haney
Hitchins has already talked about seeking Haney in 2026.

Narrative: Hitchins is a “purist’s favorite” who recently relinquished his IBF belt to join Zuffa. This is a complete “internal” conflict.

Strategy: Dana White loves story. If Hitchins keeps calling out the “hundred billion man,” Zuffa could easily market this as a “War of the Experts.”

3. “Action” Bridge: Conor Benn
Benn is an excellent host. While Shakur, Haney, and Hitchins are technical wizards, Benn is a front-foot fighter.

Wildcard: Benn is coming off a massive $15 million payday against Regis Prograis and a new five-fight extension.

Game: Benn vs. Shakur is a very interesting “clash of styles”. The classic “Bull vs. Matador”. Mannix even hinted at this as a possible Las Vegas stadium headliner as late as 2026.

Why Contrast Is Impossible

Zuffa’s business model is built on subscription pricing and PPV. To justify the huge Saudi investment (rumored to be 60% of the business), they need “Event Driven” cards.

Internal Rankings: Expect Zuffa to release its rankings soon. If Haney is #1 and Shakur is #2, the structure of the league makes it almost impossible for them to avoid each other for years.

No more “Marining”: In the old guard, promoters were concerned about losing, “killing” a fighter’s value. In the league, a loss means a “repeat” or a “comeback” narrative, which is exactly the same as the UFC.