Shakur Stevenson is set to be presented with an official mandatory challenger after being afforded a 60-day window to defend his WBO title.
The American claimed his super-lightweight belt in January, dethroning Teofimo Lopez with a unanimous decision victory to become a four-division world champion.
In doing so, Stevenson also positioned himself as one of the sport’s leading pound-for-pound stars, earning him the opportunity to sign a lucrative promotional deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.
Since putting pen to paper earlier this year, though, the 29-year-old is yet to announce a date, location or opponent for his next outing.
This is in spite of the fact that Stevenson could soon be ordered to make a mandatory title defence, with former world champion Raymond Muratalla having become the WBO’s leading contender at 140lbs.
The 29-year-old comes off a unanimous decision victory over Robson Conceicao last month, which followed his successful lightweight title defence against Andy Cruz in January.
Having now vacated his IBF belt, Muratalla could emerge as a likely opponent for Stevenson who, according to journalist Carlos Linares, will be ordered to make a mandatory title defence in less than 60 days.
“WBO president Gustavo Olivieri revealed on [Anderson Pereza’s] “Modo Boxeo Podcast” that Shakur Stevenson has been notified in writing that he has fewer than 60 days to fulfil his mandatory defence obligation.
“Also, [Olivieri] declared that the next step would be a formal order from the WBO. The opponent being considered is [Muratalla], who is now ranked No. 1 by the WBO at 140[lbs].”
If he wishes to defend his WBO title, it is likely that Stevenson will be offered a grace period to negotiate terms with Muratalla.
