Raymond Muratalla has officially been elevated to IBF lightweight world champion following the retirement of three-weight legend Vasiliy Lomachenko. The 27-year-old unbeaten American was previously the interim titleholder, but now holds the full version of the belt after Lomachenko informed the IBF he was vacating due to retirement. The development now sees Raymond Muratalla IBF Champion for the first time in his professional career.
Raymond Muratalla Elevated to IBF World Champion
The IBF confirmed that Muratalla was elevated to full champion status on June 5, shortly after Lomachenko formally relinquished the title. The governing body acknowledged Lomachenko’s accomplishments and thanked him for his contributions to the sport, but also moved quickly to install Muratalla as the new titleholder.
Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs) captured the interim title earlier this year with a dominant unanimous decision win over Zaur Abdullaev. That victory capped off a strong run in which he also defeated former world champion Tevin Farmer, South African contender Xolisani Ndongeni, and delivered stoppage wins over Diego Torres Nunez and Jeremia Nakathila.
Title Defence Likely Before End of Year
The IBF has already lined up a potential opponent for Muratalla’s first defence. A final eliminator between Cuba’s Andy Cruz and Japan’s Hironori Mishiro will take place on June 14, with the winner becoming Muratalla’s mandatory challenger. Muratalla is expected to defend the title before the end of 2025, likely against the winner of that bout.
For Muratalla, the new title is a major milestone after years of quietly building momentum in the lightweight division. With Lomachenko now stepping away from the sport, a new era begins at 135 pounds and Raymond Muratalla is now at the centre of it.
