Shakur Stevenson Leaves Zuffa Boxing, Launches Own Promotion

Stevenson Departs Zuffa Boxing, Forms Own Company Four-division champion Shakur Stevenson announced Monday, October 19, that Zuffa Boxing granted his request for release, making him a free agent. The 29-year-old Newark, New Jersey, southpaw, who holds a 25-0 record with 11 KOs, revealed the news on his YouTube channel. The departure ends a multi-fight partnership signed in July without Stevenson ever competing under the Zuffa banner.

Stevenson stated he had been in camp for approximately eight weeks preparing for fights that ultimately did not materialize. Negotiations for a potential bout with WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney broke down over disagreements on weight and rehydration terms, while talks with WBA 140-pound champion Gary Antuanne Russell also failed due to financial demands. Stevenson’s last fight was on January 31, when he outpointed Teofimo Lopez to win The Ring and WBO junior welterweight titles.

Stevenson declared he is now taking his career into his own hands by launching his own promotional company. He expressed willingness to co-promote with networks and other promoters to secure the biggest fights available at 135 or 140 pounds, where he currently holds a title. Stevenson also affirmed his intention to eventually move to the welterweight division, but on his own timeline. Zuffa Boxing has not yet released a statement regarding Stevenson’s announcement.

Figueroa Stripped of WBA Featherweight Title Brandon Figueroa lost his WBA featherweight title on October 17 after failing to make weight for his scheduled defense against Tomoki Kameda in Las Vegas. Figueroa weighed 127.4 pounds, exceeding the 126-pound featherweight limit by 1.4 pounds. The WBA confirmed that Figueroa was stripped of his championship in accordance with its rules.

The fight was subsequently canceled after Figueroa fell ill overnight, with no specific medical diagnosis disclosed. Kameda, who successfully made weight, will have his situation prioritized by the WBA Championships Committee, which is scheduled to meet Monday, October 19. The WBA featherweight title is now vacant, and Kameda has been assured priority for the next championship bout.

Michael Gomez Jr. Joins Queensberry Promotion Michael Gomez Jr. has signed with Queensberry, the promotion announced on October 19. The signing follows Gomez Jr.’s draw with Louie O’Doherty on October 17, after which he publicly questioned his future in boxing. Gomez Jr. later thanked Frank Warren, Queensberry, Lee Eaton, and his manager Kevin Maree for the opportunity.

While the announcement confirms Gomez Jr. as a new signing, it does not disclose the length of the agreement, financial terms, or a date for his next fight. Gomez Jr. stated his immediate priority is to take a break from social media and boxing to spend time with his family before considering his next steps.

Ryan Garcia Rejects Floyd Mayweather Exhibition Bout Ryan Garcia has insisted that any potential fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. must be a sanctioned bout where Mayweather’s undefeated record is on the line, rejecting the idea of an exhibition. Garcia, the WBC welterweight champion, stated that Mayweather initially reached out to him for a fight.

Boxing writer Eric Raskin argues that Mayweather is unlikely to risk his spotless record in a sanctioned bout against an active puncher like Garcia. The Boxing247 article contends that Garcia’s pursuit of a fight with the 49-year-old retired boxer signals a preference for high-profile paydays over building a credible legacy against elite opposition.

Meanwhile, Teofimo Lopez’s manager, Keith Connolly, reported that an official request has been filed with the WBA for an exception to allow Lopez to pursue a unification fight with Garcia. This would potentially bypass Lopez’s mandatory defense against British fighter Jack Catterall.

PBC Elite Continental Championships Underway in Mexico The 2026 PanAmerican Boxing Confederation Elite Continental Championships commenced on October 18 in Puebla, Mexico, featuring 21 preliminary bouts across two sessions. Minerva Montiel of Paraguay secured the tournament’s first victory in the women’s 57kg division, defeating Colombia’s Rosa Ternera by unanimous decision.

Other notable winners on opening day included Canada’s Victoria Vergos and the Dominican Republic’s Genesis De La Rosa in women’s 57kg, and Mexico’s Guadalupe Torres, who won a 4-1 split decision. In the men’s 90kg division, USA’s Joseph Awinongya Jr. achieved the fastest stoppage of the day, an RSC victory in 42 seconds. Competition is set to continue Monday, October 19, with 25 additional bouts.