Shakur Stevenson Faces November WBO Mandatory Deadline

Stevenson captured the WBO 140-pound title in January, and Olivieri said the organization’s rules generally require champions to satisfy their mandatory obligation nine months after winning the belt.

“Nine months after winning the title. He fought in January, so by November I have to send Shakur a letter like I did with Haney: ‘Hey champ, you’ve got your mandatory coming up. You’ve got to discharge the mandatory,’” said Olivieri to Cigar Talk.

If the WBO follows that timetable, Shakur has little room to delay his next move. With the ordering process beginning in September and the defense due by November, he would likely need to begin training camp almost immediately or risk running into his WBO obligation if the sanctioning body declines to postpone the deadline. That could leave little flexibility after spending much of the year hunting for a fight with Devin Haney.

Olivieri also identified Raymond Muratalla as one of the fighters who could emerge as Stevenson’s top challenger, though he stressed the championship committee has not made a decision.

“So it is possible,” Olivieri said. “Come October, November, we could see Raymond Muratalla as the mandatory for Shakur’s WBO belt. That is possible. Theoretically, we’ll have to see. I can’t answer that question at this time. It would be irresponsible on my behalf.”

The WBO has not officially designated Shakur’s required challenger, but Olivieri’s comments indicate the process is approaching quickly. If no exceptions are granted, the champion’s next few weeks may determine whether he remains on course to defend his title or faces a choice between meeting the WBO’s deadline and seeking other opportunities.