Shakur Suggests He Has Final Say Over Zuffa Opponents After Rayo Callout
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Shakur Stevenson made it clear Jose “El Rayo” Valenzuela received’t be deciding his subsequent opponent after the welterweight contender referred to as himself Shakur’s “tune-up fight” following his Zuffa Boxing signing.
Shakur fired again by writing, “No you’re notttt lol I have to go say yes remember that,” suggesting he expects to have a say in any combat the promotion makes an attempt to make.
The alternate got here after Rayo Valenzuela posted:
“Welcome to Zuffa @ShakurStevenson. I’m your tuneup fight.”
Shakur’s response could have revealed greater than he meant.
By saying, “I have to go say yes remember that,” Shakur appeared to point that he has approval over any opponent earlier than a combat could be finalized. Rather than merely rejecting Rayo’s problem, the remark hinted at how he believes his relationship with Zuffa Boxing works.
Dana White constructed the UFC on a mannequin through which the promotion largely controls matchmaking. Fighters can negotiate purses and timing, however they often don’t select their opponents. White has lengthy criticized boxing for permitting stars to keep away from harmful fights.
If Shakur’s interpretation is correct, Zuffa Boxing’s greatest signings could get pleasure from significantly extra affect over opponent choice than UFC fighters do. That would mark a notable departure from the system White has promoted for years.
The actual phrases of Shakur’s contract haven’t been made public, so his publish displays his understanding of the association somewhat than confirmed firm coverage. Still, it raises an fascinating query about whether or not Zuffa Boxing’s high stars may have veto energy over proposed opponents.
The actual check will come when Zuffa makes an attempt to match Shakur with a high-risk opponent. If he can merely decline and watch for an even bigger combat, the promotion could find yourself wanting extra like conventional boxing than the UFC mannequin Dana White has lengthy championed.
Robert Segal is a boxing journalist at Boxing News 24 with greater than a decade of expertise overlaying combat information, previews, and evaluation. Known for his easy reporting and ringside perspective, he delivers authoritative protection of champions, contenders, and rising expertise worldwide.
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Boxing News 24 » Shakur Stevenson » Shakur Suggests He Has Final Say Over Zuffa Opponents After Rayo CalloutLast Updated on 2026/07/13 at 11:16 PM
