The WBO officially their junior welterweight champion to defend against former IBF lightweight titleholder Raymond Muratalla on Tuesday.

The two sides have just 20 days to come to an agreement but if negotiations hit an impasse, purse bids will be called.

Stevenson, who also holds The Ring 140-pound championship, hasn't fought since his January 31 victory over Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden in the main event of "Ring 6."

The Newark man then signed with Zuffa Boxing in July but after just three months and no fights together, Stevenson was issued his release from the upstart promotional company. While under contract with Zuffa, Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) and Devin Haney were in talks to fight but talks broke down over issues surrounding the weight and rehydration clause. Negotiations for a clash with WBA junior welterweight champion Gary Antuanne Russell also failed to progress.

Muratalla (25-0, 17 KOs) recently dropped his IBF 135-pound belt to move up in weight after successfully defending it against Robson Conceicao on August 1. He defeated Andy Cruz on January 24 to win the title.

Once Muratalla opted to move up, the WBO inserted him as the No. 1 contender for Stevenson's title, who is The Ring's pound-for-pound No. 3 fighter.