MOSCOW, November 22. /TASS/. US boxer Jermell Charlo has decided to vacate his IBF (the International Boxing Federation) light middleweight title belt, pulling out of his mandatory title defense bout against Russia’s Bakhram Murtazaliev, the IBF’s press office said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The IBF received notice from IBF Jr. Middleweight Champion Jermell Charlo considerately advising of his decision to vacate his IBF title," the statement, posted on the IBF’s official website, reads.

"In a letter to IBF President Daryl Peoples he expressed his gratitude to the IBF. Charlo noted his upcoming IBF mandatory obligation and the timing being an issue for him at the present moment in his career. He concluded the letter by respectfully relinquishing his title," the statement continued.

"The IBF will now order No. 1 contender Murtazaliev to negotiate with the next leading available contender which is to be determined," according to the IBF.

US boxer Charlo, aka "Iron Man," is 33 years old and has a professional boxing record of 35 wins (19 by KOs), two defeats and one draw.

Russia’s Murtazaliev is 30 years old and is undefeated in his career, with 21 wins (15 by KOs) across all of his professional boxing bouts.