June 13, 2026 — Zuffa Boxing announced today that unbeaten light heavyweight prospectNasheed “Sugar Sheed” Smith has signed a long-term promotional contract with the company. Smith, a 6-foot-2 southpaw from Washington, DC, is the latest standout to emerge from Barry Hunter’s renowned Headbangers Boxing Gym.
The 25-year-old Smith (10-0, 7 KOs) is trained and managed by Hunter, who has worked with the likes of Gervonta Davis, Lamont Peterson, Isaac Dogboe, Adrien Broner, Austin Trout, and Sharmba Mitchell.
Smith’s Zuffa Boxing debut will be announced at a later date.
“Washington, DC, has produced many great fighters, and I am proud to follow in that tradition,” Smith said. “This is the start of the ‘Sugar Sheed’ era, and I’m looking to take over the light heavyweight division. I appreciate Dana White, Nick Khan, and everyone at Zuffa Boxing for giving me the platform to showcase my skills.”
Smith grew up practicing taekwondo and watching UFC fights with his father before stepping into Hunter’s gym for the first time at age 10. As an amateur, he captured five national titles, including gold medals at the 2022 National Golden Gloves and USA National Championships. Smith further honed his craft in sparring sessions with elite fighters such as Peterson, Shawn Porter, Erickson Lubin, and Jarrett Hurd.
He turned professional in November 2023 with a first-round knockout victory and has already recorded six stoppages within two rounds. Smith last fought in April in Baltimore, earning a dominant decision over Michael Nelson.
