Albert Bell has given up on anyone of note looking his way in his current weight division.

The Ring has learned that the unbeaten contender will now try his hand at lightweight. From a physical standpoint, it makes sense for The Ring’s No. 10 junior lightweight contender to add five more pounds to his 6’0” frame.

An exact timeframe was not specified for his lightweight debut. Whenever it occurs, he will then hope to seek out those who also moved up in weight.

“I’m excited to move up to the lightweight division,” Bell told The Ring. “There are guys at 135 that ducked me at 130. Hopefully the cycle breaks.

“I definitely want to be a part of it and in the mix with the best. It’s said 135 is where all the smoke is at. So I’ll see you all at 135.”

Vick Green, Bell’s promoter, confirmed to The Ring that the four major sanctioning bodies—the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO—were all notified of the team decision. Bell (26-0, 9 KOs) is currently No. 6 with the WBO, No. 12 with the WBC and No. 14 with the IBF.

The lack of support from the four alphabet groups has hindered Bell’s ability to land notable fights. It was an issue even when the Toledo, Ohio product was signed to Top Rank before the two sides amicably parted ways in early 2022.

Bell has largely fought on shows promoted by Green’s Pulse Boxing in Toledo. He landed on an Aug. 2023 OTX (Overtime Boxing) show in Atlanta, a fight opportunity which kicked of his current three-fight knockout streak.

There was no return call, however. His last two fights have been quick hits in Toledo versus recognizable—but faded—names in Jayson Velez (30-11-1 at the time) and former IBF junior featherweight titlist Jonathan Romero (35-2 at the time).

Whereas the junior lightweight division not only remains spread out in terms of the best willing to face each other, lightweight is bursting with young, hungry talent. That is a scenario that can eventually work in Bell’s favor.

“It’s no secret I was the guy to stay away from at 130,” said Bell. “From my current view most of the guys at 135 are not afraid of taking challenges and that’s what makes boxing great.”