It was reported this week that Raymond Muratalla has decided to vacate his IBF lightweight title, with plans to chase belts at 140-pounds.
Muratalla (25-0, 17 KO) most recently defended his 135-pound belt with a win over Robson Conceição in August. This came as his second defense of 2026, as he also defeated Andy Cruz with a strong performance resulting in a majority decision this past January.
At 140-pounds, “Danger” has many options in champions to pursue, but many feel that his clearest way back to a world title is to go after WBO belt holder, and four-division world champion, Shakur Stevenson (25-0, 11 KO). In the WBO’s most recent rankings update, they have Muratalla listed as the number-one contender at 140, so this avenue seems to make sense, but he could run into trouble navigating the negotiation process now that Stevenson has signed with Zuffa Boxing after a two-year stand as a free agent.
Stevenson captured the WBO title in his last outing back in January when he found victory by unanimous decision over Teofimo Lopez, becoming a four-division world champion in the process. Currently, he has no next fight scheduled, but is targeting a return this fall for his Zuffa Boxing debut. Stevenson’s team is reportedly still in talks to set up a match with welterweight champion Devin Haney, but it’s rumored that things hit a standstill over a decision surrounding contested weight.