That objective clashes with Muratalla’s current situation.

“Shakur said he’s down for fighting Muratalla next, but he would do it at 135 or 140. He prefers 135. And, of course, if he fights at 135, that would be for the Ring Magazine vacancy,” Mike Coppinger said on the Inside Ring Show. “I spoke to Muratalla’s trainer, Robert Garcia. He said the issue is that Muratalla has the IBF title, and the 10-pound rehydration clause is very difficult for Muratalla. He’s outgrowing the weight class. He has to make 145 on Saturday morning.”

Robert said a lightweight unification removes the IBF’s rehydration restriction, making WBC champion William Zepeda a more attractive opponent if Muratalla remains at 135 pounds.

“If I do a unification, that’s obviously easier. There is no unification clause on a unification,” Robert Garcia said. He also listed Abdullah Mason and Shakur as possibilities, with Stevenson an option at 140 pounds.

The comments leave the Shakur fight in an awkward position. At 135 pounds, Shakur gets the Ring title opportunity he wants, but Muratalla remains subject to the IBF’s rehydration limit. At 140 pounds, Muratalla escapes that restriction, but Stevenson gives up his chance to win the vacant Ring lightweight championship. Unless one side changes course, the matchup remains difficult to finalize.