WBO Orders Shakur Stevenson to Defend 140-Pound Title Against Raymond Muratalla

Shakur Stevenson finally has a clear direction at 140 pounds. The WBO has officially ordered its junior welterweight champion to begin negotiations with unbeaten mandatory challenger Raymond Muratalla, giving the two camps 20 days to reach an agreement before the fight can move toward a purse bid.

Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) captured the WBO and Ring junior welterweight titles with a dominant unanimous decision over Teofimo Lopez on Jan. 31. Since then, proposed fights with Devin Haney and WBA champion Gary Antuanne Russell have failed to materialize, while Stevenson’s brief relationship with Zuffa Boxing ended without him making an appearance. Muratalla (25-0, 17 KOs), meanwhile, moved up from lightweight after a strong run that included victories over Zaur Abdullaev, Andy Cruz and Robson Conceicao. Top Rank petitioned the WBO to enforce his mandatory position.

The order creates an intriguing matchup between two undefeated fighters with very different styles. Stevenson remains one of boxing’s most difficult technicians to hit cleanly, while Muratalla has built his reputation through pressure, power and steady improvement. The sides have until Nov. 16 to reach terms, and either camp can request a purse bid before that deadline.