In the latest IBF rankings that posted on September 11, 2023, Gustavo Lemos (28-0 18KOs) has been removed from his number one mandatory position at Lightweight. Devin Haney is still recognized as the IBF Lightweight Champion. Lemos missed weight in August for a return fight in Argentina. That prompted the IBF to demote Lemos from his mandatory position. Story of Lemos missing weight was reported first by Jake Donovan of Boxingscene
The two highest ranked contenders are George Kambosos Jr and Vasiliy Lomachenko. Kambosos won a title eliminator in July against Maxi Hughes for the number two spot. Lomachenko is ranked at number three.
Lomachenko-Kambosos Jr has been mentioned as possible fight in Australia by Top Rank CEO Bob Arum. The IBF title will likely be vacated soon by Haney who is fighting WBC Super Lightweight Champion Regis Prograis on December 9th. It is unlikely that Haney will ever fight at lightweight again. That will open the door for Lomachenko and Kambosos to fight for the vacant IBF title next.
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