Shakur Stevenson's manager on Zuffa Boxing exit: We want people who 'honor their word'

Shakur Stevenson's manager has spoken out about the sudden departure of the fighter from Zuffa Boxing, which has dominated boxing news over the past week. Despite no explanation given by either Stevenson or Zuffa, manager James J. Prince made his stance clear during an interview on Friday. Prince emphasized that his agency values relationships with partners who keep their promises.

The manager noted that a contract was in place, including agreed-upon purses, but the main issue was securing an opponent. Prince claimed that the focus was on the wrong opponent, Devin Haney, suggesting Haney was keen for the fight while Bill Haney was not. Prince alleged that Haney demanded the fight at the higher 147-pound limit instead of the agreed 145, which Stevenson was unwilling to accept.

Prince refuted claims of a rehydration clause in the contract, stating there was no such clause. Prince also suggested that Stevenson's deal with Zuffa was only for fights between 135 and 147 pounds, and when Stevenson insisted on remaining at 135 or 140, Zuffa's attempts to secure fights for him failed. Prince denied that a fight against Jose Rayo Valenzuela was ever discussed, refuting reports that Stevenson demanded a $15 million contract.

Prince confirmed that the release was mutual, though Stevenson has since posted a video of Eddie Hearn criticizing Zuffa for failing to meet Stevenson's contractual requirements.