Shakur Stevenson Eyes 135-Pound Title

Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) dominated Teofimo Lopez in January to claim the WBO super-lightweight title, but the 28-year-old southpaw may be heading back down to 135lbs. After the WBC stripped him of his lightweight title for failing to comply with the sanctioning body’s rules, including not paying their sanctioning feesm rather than chasing that belt back, Stevenson has set his sights on the vacant Ring Magazine lightweight belr

Speaking with Joe Rogan, Stevenson explained that claiming the Ring belt would require a fight with IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla, who is ranked No. 2 by Ring Magazine. “I may go back to 135 and get that Ring belt,” said Stevenson. “I like the Ring Magazine belt. I know the opponent I would have to fight to get it — I’m hearing it’s Raymond Muratalla. It ain’t the opponent; it’s more so just to have the Ring belt.”

Muratalla (24-0, 20 KOs) is coming off a majority decision win over Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz in January, though he has previously hinted at a potential move up to 140lbs himself. Whether this fight comes together — or both men chase  opportunities elsewhere — remains to be seen.