Vasyl Lomachenko`s recent decision to retire last week created a significant void in the lightweight boxing scene, not least because of the departure of his widely admired technical skill in the ring.
The 37-year-old brought an end to an illustrious career that included remarkable achievements in both amateur and professional boxing, a journey that is certain to be analyzed and respected by future generations in the sport.
His retirement also meant vacating the IBF world lightweight championship. This title was only recently secured by Lomachenko following a dominant 11th-round stoppage victory over George Kambosos Jr.
Consequently, Raymond Muratalla has now been elevated from his position as interim champion to become the full IBF world lightweight titleholder. The process to determine the mandatory challenger for his championship belt is expected to be finalized in the near future.
Muratalla, who is 28 years old, claimed his IBF interim title just last month. He earned it by delivering a skilled and comprehensive performance to clearly outpoint the durable contender Zaur Abdullaev across 12 rounds that were largely controlled by Muratalla.
Before that interim title bout, Muratalla faced a considerably tougher test against former world champion Tevin Farmer. Despite being the significantly less experienced fighter with a record of 23-0 (17 KOs), Muratalla overcame several challenges during the fight to ultimately secure a unanimous decision win.
Yesterday, the IBF confirmed through a press release that the Californian fighter has officially succeeded Lomachenko as champion. Muratalla now joins Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis as recognized world champions in the 135-pound weight class.
Looking to challenge Muratalla is Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz. Cruz is scheduled to face Hironori Mishiro this Saturday in an IBF title eliminator match that will position the winner as a top contender.
This highly anticipated fight between Cruz and Mishiro is set to take place at the legendary Madison Square Garden Theater in New York. It will be featured on the undercard of the main event between Richardson Hitchins and George Kambosos Jr.
Crucially, the winner of the eliminator bout is poised to become Raymond Muratalla’s mandatory challenger. This could mean they become the first opponent Muratalla faces in his initial defense of his newly acquired world championship.
