Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) hasn't fought since defeating Teofimo Lopez in the main event of "Ring 6" on January 31 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Newark native became a four-division champion, winning The Ring and WBO junior welterweight titles.

Stevenson then signed with Zuffa, the company led by UFC president and CEO Dana White and Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and owner of The Ring, in July. Talks for a fight with WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney began weeks ago but discrepancies about the weight and rehydration clauses have prevented the fight from happening.

Negotiations with WBA 140-pound champion Gary Antuanne Russell also failed to progress.

And now Stevenson, 29, has made it clear he is moving on with his career and starting his own promotional company.

"I've been working my ass off, staying focused, I've been in camp for eight weeks preparing for fights I was told would happen but have not happened," Stevenson said on his YouTube channel.

"It is what it is, this is the business of boxing, I'm not mad at anyone, but I requested to be released from Zuffa Boxing and over the weekend my request was granted.

"I'm officially a free agent, I'm now taking my career into my own hands, starting my own promotional company and I'm willing to work with other promoters that are willing to be serious about my career.

"I want the biggest fights available at 135 pounds or 140 pounds, where I hold my title."

Stevenson also said he will eventually make a move to the welterweight division.

"None of these guys can beat me. And give it a year or two, we'll ge to 147 pounds, where is pressing me to be a 147-pounder," he said. "I will get there, but on my time, not on anyone else's. I'll be the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter soon and I'm open for co-promoting and working with any of the networks."

Zuffa Boxing declined immediate requests to comment.