Raymond Muratalla believes the shifting landscape at lightweight has opened the door for a new leader - and he intends to be that fighter. The California native was elevated to full IBF lightweight champion following the retirement of Vasiliy Lomachenko in June, less than a month after Muratalla outpointed Zaur Abdullaev to claim the interim belt.
“A lot of things have changed,” Muratalla said. “This is boxing. Stuff like this is always going to happen. Hopefully it makes room for the bigger fights to finally happen at this weight.”
That spotlight now shines directly on Muratalla, who will make the first defense of his IBF title against mandatory challenger Andy Cruz. Their 12-round bout headlines a DAZN show this Saturday at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Despite being the defending champion, Muratalla enters as the betting underdog against the unbeaten Olympic gold medalist.
The circumstances only add fuel to Muratalla’s motivation. Fighting on a Matchroom-promoted card against a Matchroom fighter, and with many observers predicting another changing of the guard, he views the bout as a defining moment. “This is an opportunity for me to stand out,” Muratalla said. “I don’t just plan to win this weekend - I want to become the face of ’35.”
Muratalla insists the goal goes beyond a single night. He wants activity, unifications and the kind of fights that establish dominance. “Winning this fight will set the table for the big fights I’ve always wanted,” he said. “I want at least two more fights this year, big fights that the fans want to see. That’s what the sport really needs.”
For now, everything hinges on Saturday. Muratalla remains confident despite the odds and the seven-month layoff. “Andy is a good boxer, but I feel like he doesn’t know what he’s walking into,” he said. “My body’s feeling good, my mind is feeling great. There’s nothing they can do to stop me.”
Image Credit: Top Rank