Vasiliy Lomachenko, the IBF lightweight champion, has been given more time to determine his future. After a 60-day medical extension was set to expire on January 11, Lomachenko submitted new paperwork indicating he wouldn’t be ready by that date. The International Boxing Federation has granted him an additional reprieve with two key conditions: first, No. 2 contender Zaur Abdullaev must negotiate a fight with Raymond Muratalla for an interim IBF belt, and second, the winner of that bout must face Lomachenko by October 8. Failure to comply would result in the interim champion being upgraded.
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This extension arrives amid speculation that Lomachenko, 36, might retire. He last fought in May, defeating George Kambosos to claim the IBF title, but talks for a Gervonta Davis clash stalled. The IBF has stated it won’t allow further delays, so the Ukrainian star must soon decide whether he'll defend or relinquish his belt. Meanwhile, Abdullaev (20-1, 12 KOs) and Muratalla (22-0, 17 KOs) are set to battle for the interim strap, ready to challenge Lomachenko if he chooses to keep fighting.
Learn more about Lomachenko's career.
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