Stevenson Told To Negotiate Muratalla Mandatory

Shakur Stevenson, the junior welterweight champion, has been directed by the WBO to start negotiating a defense against Raymond Muratalla.

The two camps have 20 days to agree terms, otherwise purse bids will decide it. Stevenson last boxed on January 31, beating Teofimo Lopez to take the WBO and Ring Magazine 140-pound belts.

Muratalla gave up his IBF lightweight crown in September to move up in weight, and now sits at No. 1 in the WBO rankings. He beat Andy Cruz and Robson Conceicao in lightweight title defenses in 2026.