Four-division world champion Shakur Stevenson has signed a deal with Zuffa Boxing, the promotion’s president Dana White has confirmed.
The 29-year-old American, who has won all 25 of his professional fights, last fought in February when he beat Teofimo Lopez for the WBO light-welterweight belt.
After the bout he called for a matchup with Britain’s Conor Benn, who is also signed to Zuffa Boxing.
“Line them up, one by one, and I’ll beat all the top guys once I get them in front of me,” Stevenson said.
“With Zuffa Boxing, I’m going to go after the biggest fights in the sport and I will become the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”
Stevenson previously secured world titles at lightweight, featherweight and super-featherweight, while he also won bantamweight silver at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“Shakur is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world,” added White.
“This is a massive signing for Zuffa Boxing, and I’m looking forward to promoting this next fight.”
Founded by White and backed by Saudi Arabian funding, Zuffa Boxing is looking to rival the sport’s established promoters.
It made its first big noise when it signed British welterweight Benn in a dramatic move from Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable in February.
Zuffa Boxing has since signed multiple boxers, including IBF cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia, who was stripped of his IBF cruiserweight world title after the move.
It remains to be seen if Stevenson will have his belts taken off him.
White and Zuffa Boxing seek to amend the Muhammad Ali Reform Act in the US to allow them to operate a UFC-style business model in boxing, which will include being allowed to operate as a promoter and sanctioning body and have their own world champions.
