Unbeaten Shakur Stevenson has vacated his WBO Featherweight crown, as he pursues another World title at 130lbs.
Stevenson was slated to make a first defence of his title in March against Miguel Marriaga, after winning the belt against Joet Gonzalez by unanimous decision last October, with the fight cancelled following the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The 23-year-old, who has already drawn comparisons with Floyd Mayweather Jr, moved up in weight to defeat Felix Carabello on Top Rank’s return to action last month.
The WBO confirmed that the 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist will be installed as the number one contender at 130lbs, with WBO regulations enabling a champion moving up in weight to become the highest rated challenger.
Current champion Jamel Herring defends his belt against Jonathan Oquendo on Tuesday and is on course to meet former two-Weight World champion Carl Frampton with Top Rank CEO Bob Arum targeting a date in November.
With the belt vacant at 126lbs, Emanuel Navarette is likely to receive a shot after relinquishing his WBO Super Bantamweight title following five defences.
The Mexican, who moved up to Featherweight to stop Uriel Lopez last month will be cemented as number one contender, although it remains unclear on who will be fighting for the title, with several contenders in the running.
Ireland’s Michael Conlan is the highest ranked fighter, followed by unbeaten American Ruben Villa.
Ryan Walsh, who faces Jazza Dickens in the MTK Golden Contract final and Jessie Magdaleno, who beat Yenifel Vicente in June make up the top four contenders after Stevenson.
