The IBF has made a ruling on the status of Vasyl Lomachenko’s lightweight title as reported by Fightnews.com. Lomachenko had a medical exception in place that expired on January 11th, protecting him from being stripped for not defending his title. Not being ready to fight by the expiration date, on January 2nd, Lomachenko requested another extension. The IBF directors granted that exception with the following conditions:
- The IBF will order #2 ranked lightweight contender Zaur Abdulaev to immediately commence negotiations with #4 ranked lightweight contender Raymond Muratalla for the IBF interim lightweight title.
- 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.
- The IBF will not grant any further requests to delay the mandatory defense of the IBF lightweight title.
