Shakur Stevenson wants massive paydays, but a mandatory challenger could soon force his hand. Dan Rafael reports that the WBO is preparing to order Stevenson to defend his 140-pound title…
The WBO is preparing to order Shakur Stevenson to defend his 140-pound championship against mandatory challenger Raymond Muratalla, according to boxing journalist Dan Rafael. Top Rank, who promotes Muratalla, sent a formal letter to the sanctioning body demanding the mandatory defense be enforced, leaving Stevenson to decide whether to accept the fight or vacate his belt.
Stevenson, who has remained inactive since defeating Teofimo Lopez by decision in January, reportedly seeks at least $15 million per fight. Vacating the WBO strap would significantly weaken his bargaining power for potential unification bouts against 140-pound contenders such as Dalton Smith or Gary Antuanne Russell.
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