Vasiliy Lomachenko has been given an ultimatum over his IBF lightweight title.
Lomachenko won the IBF belt back in May when he stopped George Kambosos Jr in the 11th round at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, once again becoming world champion after nearly four years without that accolade.
He had previously reigned as unified champion at 135lbs but then suffered a defeat to Teofimo Lopez in October 2020, before then suffering a controversial points defeat to then-undisputed champion Devin Haney in May 2023.
The Ukrainian great bounced back with the win over Kambosos, but there has been no update since on when he plans to return to the ring – as well as news of a back injury – and that has prompted the IBF to act and set a deadline.
Esteemed journalist Jake Donovan has reported that after an IBF interim title fight was ordered between Zaur Abdullaev and Raymond Muratalla, a date has been declared for when Lomachenko must face the winner.
IBF has confirmed ordered interim lightweight title fight between Zaur Abdullaev and Raymond Muratalla, as RCC Boxing (Abdullaev’s promoter) first revealed earlier this week.
“Vasiliy Lomachenko was granted a second consecutive medical exemption, on the condition he faces Abdullaev-Muratalla winner by no later than Oct. 8, 2025. Otherwise, interim title winner will be elevated to full IBF titlist.”
The ultimatum from the IBF could potentially shake up the 135lb division, where the three other world titles in the weight class will be defended in the near future.
WBO champion Denys Berinchyk meets Keyshawn Davis on February 14, Shakur Stevenson puts his WBC lightweight title on the line against Floyd Schofield on February 22, Gervonta Davis defends his WBA lightweight crown against Lamont Roach on March 1.
With the IBF deadline set, what Lomachenko decides to do next should be revealed in the near future, but one of his lightweight rivals seemingly has no desire to see the Ukrainian continue with his career.
