Boxing star Shakur Stevenson secured his release from his promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing, making him a free agent, he announced Monday.
Stevenson, the WBO junior welterweight champion, signed a multi-fight contract with Zuffa Boxing in July. He never competed under the organization's banner.
Zuffa Boxing - led by UFC CEO Dana White and Turki Alalshikh - hasn't confirmed Stevenson's departure.
"I've been in camp for eight weeks preparing for fights that I was told was gonna happen, and it has not happened," Stevenson said in a video posted on YouTube. "But 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."
Stevenson, one of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world, last fought in January when he defeated Teofimo Lopez by unanimous decision to capture the WBO 140-pound title.
The 29-year-old Newark native has held belts in four divisions from featherweight to junior welterweight. He owns a 25-0 record as a professional.
Stevenson said he plans to launch his own promotional company after parting ways with Zuffa Boxing.
"I am now taking my career in my own hands," Stevenson said.
He added: "I'm willing to work with other promoters and anybody else that's out there that's willing to be serious about my career. ... I'm excited to be in this position. I'm excited to be starting a new journey. And the mission is still the same: I want the biggest and best fights available at 135 pounds or 140 pounds."
