The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has ordered Shakur Stevenson to begin talks for a mandatory title defense against Raymond Muratalla, putting the junior welterweight champion under pressure to decide his next move.

The order, announced on October 27, 2026, gives both camps 20 days to agree on the terms of a fight. Stevenson holds the WBO and The Ring titles at 140 pounds but has not fought since beating Teofimo Lopez by unanimous decision on January 31.

Meanwhile, Muratalla has moved up from lightweight and earned the WBO’s No. 1 ranking. The deadline now puts the focus on whether Stevenson will defend his belt or risk losing it as he pursues other major fights.

WBO Orders Shakur Stevenson to Negotiate Raymond Muratalla Fight

WBO President Gustavo Olivieri announced that the organization’s World Championships Committee had unanimously agreed to order negotiations between Stevenson and Muratalla.

The two camps have 20 days to reach an agreement under WBO rules. If they fail to settle the terms, the fight is expected to move to a purse bid, where interested promoters submit offers to stage the bout.

Stevenson, who holds an unbeaten record of 25 wins and 11 knockouts, won the WBO and The Ring junior welterweight titles by beating Lopez in January. He has not returned to the ring since that victory.

The Newark, New Jersey, fighter later parted ways with Zuffa Boxing and became a free agent. He also pursued a possible fight with Devin Haney, but the talks did not produce a deal.

The WBO order now gives Stevenson a clear mandatory obligation to address if he wants to keep his title.

Raymond Muratalla Earns Mandatory Title Shot

Muratalla has an unbeaten record of 25 wins, including 17 knockouts. The Southern California fighter, known as “Danger,” secured his place in the WBO rankings after moving up from lightweight to junior welterweight.

He previously held the IBF lightweight title, which he defended against Andy Cruz in January and Robson Conceição in August. Muratalla later gave up the belt in September after struggling to make the 135-pound limit.

His move to 140 pounds placed him in line for a challenge against Stevenson. Top Rank, Muratalla’s promoter, asked the WBO to enforce his mandatory position.

Muratalla’s trainer and manager, Robert Garcia, has said his fighter is ready for the opportunity and prefers competing at junior welterweight, where the higher weight limit should help him perform at full strength.

A fight with Stevenson would give Muratalla the biggest opportunity of his career and a chance to win a major world title in a second weight division.

Shakur Stevenson Faces a Major Decision Over His WBO Belt

The 20-day negotiation period gives Stevenson and Muratalla a limited window to agree on the fight’s date, venue and financial terms. If negotiations fail, a purse bid could determine which promoter stages the bout.

The financial side could prove important. Stevenson has pursued high-profile fights and large purses, while a matchup with Muratalla might not attract the same commercial interest as a fight against a bigger name such as Haney.

Stevenson has two main options. He could agree to defend his WBO title against Muratalla while continuing to explore his future as a free agent. Alternatively, he could vacate the belt and pursue other opponents without the mandatory obligation.

If Stevenson gives up the title, Muratalla could get an opportunity to fight for the vacant championship against another contender.

For now, the WBO has started the process, but the fight is not confirmed. The next 20 days will determine whether Stevenson and Muratalla reach an agreement or whether the junior welterweight title picture changes again.