WBO Orders Stevenson To Face Muratalla

The WBO has ordered Shakur Stevenson to defend his lightweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super lightweight title against former lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla.

WBO president Gustavo Olivieri issued the ruling following a petition from Top Rank, per Bad Left Hook, giving both sides 20 days to negotiate before a purse bid. Muratalla holds the top position in the WBO's 140-pound rankings despite previously holding the IBF belt at lightweight rather than a WBO strap.

Muratalla's Path To Mandatory Position

Muratalla, 25-0 with 17 knockouts, built his case with wins over Tevin Farmer, Zaur Abdullaev, two-time Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz, and most recently Robson Conceicao at lightweight. The unbeaten challenger reportedly showed no fear of bigger names during his 135-pound run.

Stevenson cruised past Teofimo Lopez in January to claim the WBO belt but has sat idle since. Talks with WBA champion Gary Antuanne Russell and welterweight titlist Devin Haney collapsed over money, and a reported flirtation with Zuffa Boxing went nowhere.

With unifications off the table and his leverage thin, Stevenson now faces a mandatory defense or must vacate. Top Rank controls the purse unless he walks, which puts Bob Arum in position to dictate terms for the champion's next outing. The 20-day negotiation window expires in mid-November.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — WBO orders Shakur Stevenson to face Raymond Muratalla