Shakur Stevenson set to face Devin Haney in October Zuffa Boxing debut

Shakur Stevenson confirms verbal agreement to fight Devin Haney in October

Devin Haney is set to headline Shakur Stevenson’s Zuffa Boxing debut on October 18 in a 144-pound catchweight bout. Stevenson, the WBO 140-pound champion, told Uncrowned’s *The Ariel Helwani Show* on Wednesday that Zuffa wants Haney in the ring. “They want Devin as far as I know,” Stevenson said. “If they want Devin: I’m down.”

Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) has already given his verbal commitment to the fight, though he stressed he hasn’t signed the contract yet. “I’m not going to say I’ve signed,” he added, “but I’ve definitely verbally agreed that we’re going to be fighting in October and I’ve told them, ‘Put my part down.’”

Catchweight fight looms as Haney faces mandatory welterweight defense

The matchup would land at 144 pounds, a catchweight Stevenson confirmed in the interview. Haney, the WBO welterweight titlist, may not put his 147-pound belt on the line. Haney has been ordered to defend against mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis first, which could delay or complicate the Stevenson fight.

Stevenson spoke as if the Davis fight is a formality. “He’s got a mandatory,” Stevenson noted. “So it may have to come without a title on the line.” Zuffa Boxing’s push for the Haney fight signals its ambition to land marquee matchups from day one.

Saudi backing opens doors for Stevenson’s Zuffa run

Stevenson’s move to Zuffa Boxing raised early questions about available opponents. Dana White’s new venture initially said it wouldn’t work with rival promoters or the WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF. Stevenson, however, believes Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh-Zuffa’s financier-can clear any hurdle. “Because of Turki Alalshikh’s history,” Stevenson said, “any fight is available to me.”

Stevenson expects to compete on both Alalshikh’s *Ring Magazine* shows and Zuffa Boxing events on Paramount+. He also confirmed he won’t wear the branded uniforms other fighters on the series must use.

DAZN came close but Zuffa sealed the deal

Stevenson nearly signed with DAZN instead. “I talked to DAZN,” he revealed, “and they offered me a big-ass deal too.” But DAZN’s proposal arrived late, and Stevenson chose Zuffa Boxing. “They kind of came too late,” he said. “It could’ve been either/or, but they definitely offered a big-ass deal too.”

Under the Zuffa deal, Stevenson would align directly with the broadcaster rather than a promotional company. Such an arrangement is rare in boxing; Teofimo Lopez reportedly has a similar pact with DAZN. Stevenson now turns his focus to October and the chance to face Haney in his Zuffa debut.