# Stevenson, Zuffa, and 2026 fight negotiations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/speculation-intensifies-over-zuffa-boxings-prospects-to-sign-elite-fighters > Updated: 2026-08-27T20:46:15.000Z. Sources: 36. Developments: 27. Negotiations for a superfight between Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney have effectively collapsed due to irreconcilable disputes over weight classes and financial splits. Stevenson’s attempts to secure a 144-pound catchweight—and at one point a 140-pound limit—were rejected by Haney’s camp, which insisted on the 147-pound welterweight limit to maximize purse potential. These talks were further complicated by a broadcaster split, with Stevenson signed to Zuffa Boxing (Paramount+) and Haney to DAZN. Following the Haney stalemate, Stevenson has shifted his focus toward other high-profile matchups. He has expressed interest in a bout with unified junior-lightweight champion Emanuel Navarrete and is reportedly targeting a unification fight against WBA titleholder Gary Antuanne Russell, tentatively aimed for September 26, 2026, in London. Other possibilities include a rematch with William Zepeda and speculative discussions regarding a clash with Manny Pacquiao. Stevenson, a four-division world champion, continues to draw attention for his selective approach to matchmaking and his personal rankings, which notably omitted Muhammad Ali from his top-five fighters list. While a move up to welterweight remains a potential path to revive Haney talks, Stevenson is currently pursuing unification and elite-level challenges within his existing weight parameters. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-27: Shakur Stevenson targets unification bout against Gary Antuanne Russell Shakur Stevenson is reportedly eyeing a September 2026 unification fight against Gary Antuanne Russell following failed negotiations with Devin Haney. Speculation also links him to a potential bout with Manny_。 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shakur-stevenson-targets-unification-bout-against-gary-antuanne-russell ### 2026-08-06: Shakur Stevenson sparks debate with top‑five fighters list and fight negotiations Shakur Stevenson named a top‑five list that excludes Muhammad Ali and is now stalling a Devin Haney fight over catch‑weight demands after recent wins. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shakur-stevenson-sparks-debate-with-topfive-fighters-list-and-fight-negotiations ### 2026-08-04: Shakur Stevenson’s Prospects for Next Fight Stalled by Promotion and Weight Disputes Shakur Stevenson’s next bout is uncertain as a rematch with William Zepeda looms while a fight with Devin Haney is blocked by promotional, broadcast and weight‑class disputes. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shakur-stevensons-prospects-for-next-fight-stalled-by-promotion-and-weight-disputes ### 2026-08-02: Shakur Stevenson Pursues Navarrete Fight Amid Haney Weight Negotiation Stalemate Shakur Stevenson aims to fight unified junior‑lightweight champion Emanuel Navarrete while his weight‑catch‑weight talks with Devin Haney stall, reducing his negotiating leverage. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shakur-stevenson-pursues-navarrete-fight-amid-haney-weight-negotiation-stalemate ### 2026-07-27: Shakur Stevenson Set for 2026 Return as Zuffa Boxing Plans High-Profile Fight Shakur Stevenson, now with Zuffa Boxing, will fight before the end of 2026; Dana White hints at a high‑profile bout with Gervonta Davis while weighing other opponents. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shakur-stevenson-set-for-2026-return-as-zuffa-boxing-plans-high-profile-fight ### 2026-07-17: Dublin hosts major boxing and MMA events in August and September Dublin's 3Arena will host Zuffa Boxing 10 on Aug 8 with a near‑full card, while the RDS Arena will stage Cage Warriors CW 210 on Sep 27 featuring title‑defender Paddy McCorry and other Irish fighters. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dublin-hosts-major-boxing-and-mma-events-in-august-and-september ### 2026-07-16: Zuffa Boxing's Lucrative Shakur Stevenson Deal Boosts Devin Haney's Negotiating Power Zuffa Boxing’s eight‑figure deal with Shakur Stevenson gives Devin Haney leverage, prompting Eddie Hearn to critique Zuffa’s overpaying model and Haney to cite the contract as proof of his $100 M earning claim. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zuffa-boxings-highpay-model-draws-criticism-from-eddie-hearn-after-shakur-stevenson-signing ### 2026-07-13: Johnny Fisher Switches to Zuffa Boxing After Leaving Matchroom Johnny Fisher left Matchroom after five years to join Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, aiming for rebuilding fights after his first loss; Matchroom couldn’t provide the lower‑risk bouts he wanted. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/johnny-fisher-switches-to-zuffa-boxing-after-leaving-matchroom ### 2026-07-13: Shakur Stevenson charts dream opponents and dismisses Rayo Valenzuela after joining Zuffa Boxing Shakur Stevenson, after signing with Zuffa Boxing, rejected a fight with Rayo Valenzuela and named Gervonta Davis, Teofimo Lopez and others as dream opponents, while also predicting Davis would beat a prime Ósc 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shakur-stevenson-charts-dream-opponents-and-dismisses-rayo-valenzuela-after-joining-zuffa-boxing ### 2026-07-12: Shakur Stevenson signs with Zuffa Boxing, targets October catch‑weight bout with Devin Haney Shakur Stevenson has joined Zuffa Boxing, aiming for an October catch‑weight fight with Devin Haney after signing his part of the deal; the bout now awaits Haney’s agreement. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boxer-shakur-stevenson-vows-to-whoop-shannon-sharpe-after-heated-podcast-clash ### 2026-07-09: Shakur Stevenson signs multi‑fight deal with Zuffa Boxing Shakur Stevenson has signed a lucrative multi‑fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, prompting a broadcast graphics error at UFC 329 and sparking debate over his future opponents. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shakur-stevenson-signs-with-dana-whites-zuffa-boxing-promotion ### 2026-07-07: Devin Haney's Title Defense Options Tighten After Gervonta Davis Delay Gervonta Davis won’t fight until 2027, leaving Devin Haney to face a mandatory WBO bout with Keyshawn Davis or pursue other opponents like Shakur Stevenson; analysts favor Haney but the fight is not yet secured 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/devin-haneys-title-defense-options-tighten-after-gervonta-davis-delay ### 2026-07-03: Devin Haney Rejects Gervonta Davis Fight After Alleged 70‑30 Split Offer Devin Haney quit talks for a Gervonta Davis fight, alleging a 70‑30 split offer; Davis’s camp has not confirmed the claim, leaving the lightweight showdown off. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/devin-haney-rejects-gervonta-davis-fight-after-alleged-7030-split-offer ### 2026-07-02: Shakur Stevenson Targets Gary Antuanne Russell as Next Opponent Shakur Stevenson, WBO super‑lightweight champion, says he wants to fight WBA junior welterweight champion Gary Antuanne Russell next, highlighting a potential unification bout. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shakur-stevenson-targets-gary-antuanne-russell-as-next-opponent ### 2026-07-02: Shakur Stevenson Demands Devin Haney Vacate WBO Title Before Potential Fight Shakur Stevenson urges Devin Haney to drop his WBO welterweight title before a possible 144‑lb fight, while also eyeing a unification bout with Gary Antuanne Russell. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shakur-stevenson-demands-devin-haney-vacate-wbo-title-before-potential-fight ### 2026-07-01: Devin Haney given 20‑day deadline by WBO to negotiate bout with mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis The WBO gave champion Devin Haney 20 days to negotiate a fight with mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis, or face a purse‑bid where Haney would receive 75% of the purse. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/devin-haney-given-20day-deadline-by-wbo-to-negotiate-bout-with-mandatory-challenger-keyshawn-davis ### 2026-06-27: Zuffa Boxing launches high‑profile events in Dublin and Las Vegas under Dana White Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing is debuting events in Dublin and Las Vegas, featuring Aaron McKenna’s middleweight title fight and Jakhongir Zokirov’s heavyweight TKO, as the venture eyes future Canelo‑Alvarez bouts. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zuffa-boxing-launches-highprofile-events-in-dublin-and-las-vegas-under-dana-white ### 2026-06-23: Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney Eye High‑Stakes Bout Amid Weight‑Class Debate Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney discuss a possible high‑profile fight, with Davis’ camp demanding control of terms and Haney suggesting a 165‑lb bout, while promoter Eddie Hearn weighs the matchup. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gervonta-davis-and-devin-haney-eye-highstakes-bout-amid-weightclass-debate ### 2026-06-20: Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson negotiate catch‑weight showdown Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson are negotiating a 144‑lb catch‑weight fight; Bill Haney cites Stevenson as top target, while Stevenson says Haney seeks a size edge. Mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis and pund 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shakur-stevenson-pushes-144lb-catchweight-fight-with-devin-haney ### 2026-06-20: Shakur Stevenson Dismisses Conor Benn and Announces Plans to Retire at 33 Shakur Stevenson called Conor Benn far below his level, saying Benn would need to fight until 40 to match him, and announced he plans to retire around age 33 as his defensive style ages. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shakur-stevenson-dismisses-conor-benn-and-announces-plans-to-retire-at-33 ### 2026-06-18: Shakur Stevenson fuels speculation on possible Benavidez‑Opetaia and Haney fights Shakur Stevenson backs Benavidez over Opetaia and posts a 144.4‑lb weigh‑in, sparking talk of a Haney fight at catchweight. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shakur-stevenson-fuels-speculation-on-possible-benavidezopetaia-and-haney-fights ### 2026-06-10: Shakur Stevenson Linked to Potential Fights with Lamont Roach and Devin Haney Boxing promoters report Shakur Stevenson may face Lamont Roach or Devin Haney, with talks of catchweight bouts and a potential Zuffa Boxing event. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shakur-stevenson-linked-to-potential-fights-with-lamont-roach-and-devin-haney ### 2026-06-06: Devin Haney's camp targets top contenders, rejects weight clause for Stevenson Bill Haney says Devin will not accept a weight clause for a Stevenson fight and names Boots Ennis, Sebastian Fundora and Vergil Ortiz Jr. as preferred future opponents. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/devin-haneys-camp-targets-top-contenders-rejects-weight-clause-for-stevenson ### 2026-06-05: Zuffa Boxing sued by Boxxer and attacked by Eddie Hearn in UK promoter feud Zuffa Boxing, Dana White’s new promotion, is sued by Boxxer over alleged fighter poaching and criticized by Eddie Hearn of Matchroom, intensifying a UK boxing promoter feud. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zuffa-boxing-sued-by-boxxer-and-attacked-by-eddie-hearn-in-uk-promoter-feud ### 2026-06-04: Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson Poised for Zuffa Boxing Showdown Zuffa Boxing aims to stage a Devin Haney‑Shakur Stevenson fight; Haney’s recent social media post reignites speculation, though no deal is confirmed. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/devin-haney-and-shakur-stevenson-poised-for-zuffa-boxing-showdown ### 2026-05-11: Zuffa Boxing sees top fighters eyed as Eddie Hearn doubts their participation Dana White predicts top fighters will join Zuffa Boxing, while Eddie Hearn says they won’t. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zuffa-boxing-sees-top-fighters-eyed-as-eddie-hearn-doubts-their-participation ### 2026-05-07: Devin Haney rumored to sign $100 million Zuffa Boxing contract Rumors link Devin Haney to a $100 million Zuffa Boxing contract and a possible fight with Richardson Hitchins; Teofimo Lopez doubts the figure. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/devin-haney-rumored-to-sign-100-million-zuffa-boxing-contract --- Cite as: Stevenson, Zuffa, and 2026 fight negotiations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/speculation-intensifies-over-zuffa-boxings-prospects-to-sign-elite-fighters