Shakur Stevenson Wants Zuffa to Pay Russell, Muratalla

Shakur Stevenson says Gary Antuanne Russell and Raymond Muratalla are both asking for $3 million purses to step in the ring with him, and he wants Zuffa Boxing to foot the bill. The unbeaten WBO junior welterweight titleholder made the claim on X, naming both fighters as opponents he would gladly take if his promoter covers the cost.

"Gary & Muratalla want 3ms to get in the ring with me.. I would love to fight both them guys tho Zuffa gotta cough that money up!" Stevenson wrote, adding that he considers himself the biggest risk in the sport right now. "The Teo fight didn't do nun but make it worst," he wrote, referencing his lopsided decision win over Teofimo Lopez in January that unified multiple 140-pound titles.

What Would a $3 Million Price Tag Mean for Zuffa Boxing

Stevenson's post puts a number on the hurdle Zuffa Boxing faces in building his next fight. If both Russell and Muratalla are truly asking $3 million apiece and Stevenson's own purse comes anywhere close to that figure, the promotion would be staring at a main event north of $6 million before undercard fighters, production, and site fees get added in. Russell, the WBA junior welterweight titleholder at 19-1 with 17 knockouts, offers a true unification fight at 140 pounds. Muratalla, who vacated his IBF lightweight title this year after wins over Olympic gold medalists Andy Cruz and Subriel Matias, would need to move up in weight to make the fight, but brings a similarly live style matchup.

Neither man is a proven pay-per-view draw, and that is the tension at the heart of Stevenson's post. He is openly acknowledging that his audience numbers have not matched his skill level, even after beating a recognizable name like Lopez. Zuffa, backed by Dana White's connections to UFC-style production and TKO's media muscle, has shown willingness to spend to build boxing as a brand, but spending to build a platform is different from spending to turn a profit on a single card.

Betting Angle

Stevenson remains one of the hardest fighters in the sport to book favorites against, largely because his defensive style makes him a tough watch for casual bettors and a short-priced favorite whenever a fight does get made. If either matchup comes together, expect Stevenson to open as a solid favorite given his unbeaten record and technical edge, with Russell likely drawing more betting interest as the live puncher who could change the complexion of a fight with one shot. Until Zuffa actually closes a deal with either camp, there is no fight to price, but the financial gap Stevenson described suggests this booking is further from the finish line than fans might assume.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Shakur Stevenson say about fighting Gary Antuanne Russell and Raymond Muratalla?

Shakur Stevenson said on X that both Gary Antuanne Russell and Raymond Muratalla are asking for $3 million purses to face him, and he wants his promoter Zuffa Boxing to cover that cost.

What is Shakur Stevenson's current boxing record?

Shakur Stevenson is 25-0 with 11 knockouts and holds the WBO junior welterweight title, having most recently beaten Teofimo Lopez by decision in January.

Who are Gary Antuanne Russell and Raymond Muratalla?

Gary Antuanne Russell is the WBA junior welterweight titleholder at 19-1 with 17 knockouts, and Raymond Muratalla is a former IBF lightweight titleholder who recently vacated his belt after beating Andy Cruz and Subriel Matias.