Shakur Stevenson Could Abandon WBO Title Over Raymond Muratalla

Top Rank has petitioned the WBO to install Raymond Muratalla as the mandatory challenger for Shakur Stevenson's 140-pound title. Boxing News 24 argues that Stevenson may consider vacating the belt rather than taking on the dangerous challenger, as the bout carries high physical risk without the major financial upside of high-profile fights against opponents like Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, or Gervonta Davis.

While defending the belt would preserve Stevenson's champion status and answer critics, the writer contends that the financial reward may not match Muratalla's punching power and risk. Consequently, the outlet suggests Stevenson could abandon the title if ordered to fight Muratalla while pursuing more lucrative blockbuster bouts.