IBF lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomachenko is almost at the end of a 60-day medical extension but will have to decide in the coming weeks whether he is to continue his career.
The 18-3 (12 KOs) Ukrainian star won the belt against George Kambosos in Australia in May, but after talks stalled for a fight with Gervonta Davis, speculation intensified that Lomachenko, 36, might walk away from the sport entirely.
On November 14, Lomachenko was given a 60-day medical extension by the IBF, but they subsequently received paperwork from a doctor on behalf of the fighter that said he would not be able to compete at the time the extension finishes, which is tomorrow (January 11). He asked for a medical exception on January 2.
Following a meeting, IBF directors have allowed him the extension on two conditions. The first is that No. 2 contender Zaur Abdullaev starts negotiations with Raymond Muratalla for the IBF’s interim title.
The second was that Lomachenko had to defend against the winner of that fight by October 8. If Lomachenko does not do that, the interim champion would be upgraded.
The IBF added that they would not permit anymore requests to delay the mandatory defense of the belt.
Abdullaev is an Armenia-based Russia who is 20-1 (12 KOs). Californian Muratalla is 22-0 (17 KOs).
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