RUMOR Top Rank reportedly petitions WBO to make Muratalla Stevenson's mandatory

Raymond Muratalla is trying to force the issue with Shakur Stevenson rather than wait to be chosen. According to boxing reporter Dan Rafael, Top Rank has formally asked the WBO to install Muratalla as mandatory challenger at 140 pounds.

Rafael's October 24 post on X points to two grounds: Muratalla is ranked No. 1 by the WBO, and Stevenson has not fought since January. The WBO's rankings dated Sept. 28 back up the first point, listing Muratalla first and Stevenson as champion, with Emiliano Vargas and Ernesto Mercado next. The ranking shows his place on the list. It does not show the petition has been approved.

That is the key limit on the story. Under the WBO's regulations a classified boxer can request mandatory status in writing, but the championship committee decides, and it can decline for reasons such as an approved unification or other good cause. A petition is a step toward a title shot. If it is granted and talks with the champion fail, the challenger must take part in a purse bid. Neither negotiations nor bidding has been reported.

Muratalla arrives at this weight after leaving lightweight. The Ring reported on Sept. 3 that he vacated the IBF lightweight title because he could no longer make 135 pounds safely. His last fight there was a win over Robson Conceicao on Aug. 1.

Stevenson's situation is unsettled. The 29-year-old southpaw is a free agent after leaving Zuffa Boxing without a fight. Dana White says he offered the release, Stevenson says he asked for it, and Matchroom's Eddie Hearn is pushing a fight with Dalton Smith. Stevenson has said he plans his own promotional company and is open to working with other promoters and networks.

Watch for the WBO committee's response. A ruling for Muratalla would put a clock of negotiation and possible purse bid on Stevenson's next move. A refusal, or a Stevenson fight with someone else, would leave the request unresolved.