IBF order Vasyl Lomachenko to fight the winner of Zaur Abdullaev vs Raymond Muratalla

IBF lightweight champ Vasyl Lomachenko must face the winner of Zaur Abdullaev vs Raymond Muratalla

The IBF released the following statement on January 10 clarifying the status of their IBF World lightweight title, currently held by Vasyl Lomachenko:

On November 14, 2024, Vasyl Lomachenko requested and was granted a 60-day medical extension that will expire on January 11, 2025, pursuant to rule 5.D.3 of the IBF Rules Governing Championship Contests.

On the same day, the IBF received a medical report from Dr. Nelson, N.T on behalf of Vasyl Lomachenko indicating that he would be unable to compete by the time that his medical extension expires on January 11, 2025. Following, Vasyl Lomachenko requested a medical exception on January 2, 2025.

The IBF Directors met and determined that Vasyl Lomachenko's exception request shall be granted with the following conditions:

1. The IBF will order #2 ranked Lightweight contender Zaur Abdullaev to immediately commence negotiations with #4 ranked Lightweight contender Raymond Muratalla for the IBF Interim Lightweight title.

2. Vasyl Lomachenko must defend the IBF Lightweight title against the Interim Champion by October 8, 2025. If the Champion is unable to defend the title against the interim champion by the end of the time permitted under the exception, then the interim champion shall become the champion pursuant to Rule 16.E.

3. The IBF will not grant any further requests to delay the Mandatory defence of the IBF Lightweight title.