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Shakur Stevenson’s time with Zuffa Boxing has ended before he even got a chance to fight for the promotion.

Back in July, it was announced that Steveson had signed a multi-fight deal with the promotion led by UFC CEO Dana White. It was Zuffa Boxing’s biggest signing to date, and many felt it opened the door for the WBO junior welterweight champion to have a long-awaited clash with Devin Haney.

More recently, talks between Stevenson and Haney have broken down, and it may have led to Zuffa Boxing granting Stevenson’s request for a release. In a video uploaded on his YouTube channel, the undefeated star revealed his split from the promotion is now official (h/t MMAFighting).

“I’ve been working my ass off,” Stevenson said. “Staying focused, staying in shape. I’ve been in camp for, like, eight weeks preparing for fights that I was told was going to happen and it has not happened but look, it is what it is. This is the business of boxing. I’m not mad at anyone, I’m not pointing no fingers, but upon all of these issues and things that’s been going on, I requested to be released from Zuffa Boxing.

“Now, over the weekend, my request has been granted and I am officially a free agent. This time, I want to tell the fans and tell everybody that’s in the public that I am now taking my career in my own hands and I’m starting my own promotional company and I’m willing to work with other promoters and anybody else that’s out there that’s willing to be serious about my career as I am about my career.”

Stevenson is a big name back on the market, but after the Haney talks fizzled out, many are wondering just how lucrative his next fight can be. Regardless, expect the likes of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing to try to make a play for the WBO champion.

What do you make of Shakur Stevenson leaving Zuffa Boxing? Sound off in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM