Shakur Stevenson’s long wait for a major payday has left him facing a fight he may not find commercially appealing. The WBO has ordered its 140-pound champion to negotiate a mandatory defense against Raymond Muratalla, a dangerous opponent who offers far less name value than Devin Haney.

That is the cost of spending months chasing a fight that never came together. Stevenson has not boxed since taking the WBO title from Teofimo Lopez on January 31, and his split with Zuffa Boxing has left him searching for a promotional arrangement as a free agent.

The WBO’s order gives Stevenson and Muratalla 20 days to reach terms. President Gustavo Olivieri said the championship committee unanimously ordered negotiations to fulfill the outstanding mandatory obligation. He said the formal notice would be issued shortly.

“Please be advised that the WBO World Championships Committee has unanimously resolved to order the commencement of negotiations between WBO Jr. Welterweight World Champion Shakur Stevenson and WBO #1 World-Rated Contender Raymond Muratalla, in fulfillment of the outstanding mandatory championship obligation,” Olivieri said. “The parties shall have 20 days to reach terms, pursuant to WBO Regulations.”

Top Rank had petitioned the WBO to install Muratalla as the mandatory challenger. Now Stevenson must decide whether a defense against him fits his plans and whether the two camps can agree on financial terms.

Stevenson spent much of the year pursuing Haney, a bigger name who would have offered a far larger event. But those talks failed, and Haney has moved on to a planned fight with Liam Paro. The WBO order leaves Shakur with a less glamorous opportunity, but one that could get him back in the ring.

Muratalla is the kind of challenger a champion might prefer to face after building momentum, not after nearly nine months of inactivity. The former IBF lightweight champion gave up his belt at 135 to pursue a chance at 140. He can apply pressure and throw enough punches to make Stevenson work, even if Shakur’s speed and accuracy make him the favorite.

The financial side could be difficult. Stevenson has talked about wanting major purses, but Muratalla doesn’t have Haney’s drawing power. A promoter would have to decide how much the matchup is worth, while both fighters seek terms they consider acceptable.

If they cannot agree, a purse bid could follow, though the WBO’s formal notice should spell out the procedure. Stevenson could also choose another direction rather than defend, but he has not said he intends to vacate.

That distinction matters. The order is a test of whether a deal can be made, not proof that Stevenson wants to avoid Muratalla. Still, giving up the belt without defending it would leave him with a long layoff and one less title to offer a future opponent.

Stevenson’s win over Lopez gave him a valuable position at 140. A defense against Muratalla would give him a chance to use it, end the inactivity, and add another quality victory while the bigger fights remain uncertain.