Raymond Muratalla Crowned New IBF Lightweight Champion After Lomachenko’s Retirement

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has officially named Raymond Muratalla as the new lightweight world champion, following Vasyl Lomachenko’s retirement from the sport at age 37.

Lomachenko, known as “Hi-Tech,” announced his retirement on June 5, closing the chapter on a remarkable career that saw him become a two-division world champion. Renowned for his exceptional footwork and ring IQ, Lomachenko is widely regarded by fans as an all-time great.

In the aftermath of his retirement, the IBF elevated Muratalla—who had held the interim title and was the mandatory challenger—to full world champion status.

Raymond Muratalla, a 28-year-old American boxer, turned professional on September 16, 2016. He has competed in 23 fights to date, securing 17 wins by knockout and maintaining an undefeated record.

On June 14, Andy Cruz and Hinonori Mishiro will face off in a bout that will decide the challenger for Muratalla’s title. The winner will be Muratalla’s first opponent in a mandatory defense of his IBF world championship.

In his most recent outing, Muratalla defeated Russian fighter Zaur Abdullayev by unanimous decision, earning the interim world title for the first time in his career.

“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 statement from IBF said.