The International Boxing Federation has confirmed that, in the wake of Vasiliy Lomachenko’s retirement, Raymond Muratalla has been elevated to the status of IBF lightweight champion.
Ukraine’s Lomachenko announced his retirement at the age of 37 earlier in June, and Muratalla, previously their interim champion, will succeed him. His first defense of the title will come against the winner of Saturday’s contest at the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York, between Hironori Mishiro of Japan and Cuba’s Andy Cruz.
“The International Boxing Federation (IBF) received official notification on June 5, that Vasiliy Lomachenko was retiring from the sport of boxing, thereby relinquishing his title as IBF lightweight world champion,” read a statement issued by the sanctioning body.
“The IBF is proud and honored to count Mr Lomachenko among its roster of former champions. His achievements in the ring, as both a professional and an amateur, are truly exceptional. He has built a legacy marked by determination, skill, and sportsmanship that will continue to inspire generations of fighters to come. We extend our sincere gratitude to Loma for his contributions to the sport and to the IBF. We wish him all the best and every success in his future endeavors.
“Raymond Muratalla, formerly the IBF interim lightweight world champion, has officially been elevated to full IBF lightweight world champion status. The scheduled elimination bout for the number-one position in the IBF lightweight ratings between Andy Cruz and Hinonori Mishiro on June 14 will determine the mandatory challenger who will face Muratalla in his first mandatory defense of the title.”
The 28-year-old Muratalla last fought in May, when he outpointed Russia’s Zaur Abdullaev. Cruz-Mishiro is on the undercard of Richardson Hitchins-George Kambosos Jnr, for the IBF junior-welterweight title.