Raymond Muratalla is next in line for Shakur Stevenson’s WBO junior welterweight title after the sanctioning body ordered the two camps to begin negotiations. The ruling gives Muratalla the opening he sought when his promoter, Top Rank, petitioned the WBO for a mandatory title shot.
WBO president Gustavo Olivieri said the parties have 20 days to reach an agreement. He said a formal notice would be issued shortly.
“The WBO World Championships Committee has unanimously resolved to order the commencement of negotiations between WBO Jr. Welterweight World Champion Shakur Stevenson and WBO #1 World-Rated Contender Raymond Muratalla, in fulfillment of the outstanding mandatory championship obligation,” Olivieri said on X.
Muratalla gave up his IBF lightweight title to pursue an opportunity at 140 pounds, and the WBO’s decision puts him closer to the fight he wanted. He has sought a meeting with Stevenson since before Shakur defeated Teofimo Lopez for the title in January.
The order is a reward for Muratalla’s willingness to move up and pursue a difficult opponent. Stevenson’s speed, defense, and precision make him a tough matchup, but Muratalla has the pressure style to give the champion something to think about.
Muratalla will need more than steady pressure if the fight happens. Lopez struggled to close the distance against Stevenson, who controlled their January bout with his timing and movement. Muratalla would have to cut off the ring and make Shakur work without following him into clean counters.
A deal is far from guaranteed. Stevenson recently left Zuffa Boxing and has spent much of the year pursuing a bigger fight against Devin Haney. Muratalla is a respected contender, but his name is unlikely to generate the same payday a Haney fight would have produced.
If the camps cannot agree, a purse bid could follow under WBO procedures. The order does not mean the fight is signed, but Muratalla now has an official route to challenge for Stevenson’s belt.
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