Stevie Morgan: “We’re hoping MVP will keep their word on the Han fight. But I’m definitely keeping my options open at 140.”

Stevie Morgan: “We’re hoping MVP will keep their word on the Han fight. But I’m definitely keeping my options open at 140.”

They say the clock never stops. Stevie Morgan will appreciate that more than most. The lightweight contender has been waiting patiently for her opportunity at the WBA world lightweight title. Deadlines have come and gone. By now, Morgan should have had a firm date to face the WBA champion Stephanie Han. The wait goes on.

Morgan has been somewhat in limbo of late. Does she sit and wait? Or fight and risk her mandatory position?

“I’m very frustrated,” Morgan told FightPost. “I just keep my head down and keep working. So when I let it go, I’ll know I did my best to make the big fights happen. My job is to just keep winning. Maybe I’ll end up with a bigger opportunity.”

“It’s been difficult,” Morgan added. “But we have been waiting on the fight for over seven months. But staying active is more important than anything else in boxing.”

The 37-year-old American has decided to fight. Morgan (19-2) takes on the unbeaten Jenny Tulcan (14-0) on September 11th. Morgan wants to stay busy. But it might come at a price. “Every fight is a risk,” Morgan admitted. “But these were the cards we were dealt.

“I know she’s ranked above us in the IBF rankings, and she doesn’t know how to lose. And she loves to take chances by going for the knockout. And that’s all I needed to know, because I live by the gun and die by the gun. The fight won’t go the distance. And I’ll be victorious at the end.”

If Morgan does end the unbeaten run of her opponent this weekend, that state of limbo returns. Waiting for the call that never seems to come. Morgan knows, it might never come. Rankings should mean everything. But the reality is that the politics of the sport mean far more.

The lightweight ranks look set to have an extended period of unification fights. The IBF champion Elif Nur Turhan will welcome Alycia Baumgardner to the 135-pound division in November. Caroline Dubois fresh off defending her WBC and WBO world lightweight titles, is also chasing Stephanie Han. A undisputed showdown between any of the above is a distinct possibility for 2027. All those fighters are signed to Most Valuable Promotions. Stevie Morgan isn’t. There lies the problem. Despite being the WBO number one lightweight contender, the wait might not end anytime soon. If at all. Being on the outside looking in, is never good for a fighter waiting for her chance at world title glory.

“We’re hoping MVP will keep their word on the Han fight,” Morgan says of her current situation. “But I’m definitely keeping my options open at 140.”

“All the fighters will fight anyone,” Morgan added. “But their business has to make sense, I guess. So, I understand. I have been holding 135 my whole career, waiting for a good opportunity. But if I move up to 140, I’ll be stronger and more comfortable. Moving up is an option for sure. Anyone from 130-147 can get it.”