Garcia makes his intention clear
“How about a fight in Southern California between Raymond Muratalla and Camaron Zepeda this summer? @GoldenBoyBoxing @trboxing,” Garcia wrote.
The timing of Garcia’s message reflects Muratalla’s strengthened position following his January 24 majority decision win over Andy Cruz. Cruz entered undefeated and widely respected after winning Olympic gold in 2020, but Muratalla’s aggression prompted two judges to award him the decision. That result raised Muratalla’s standing and put him in another level of discussion within the division.
Zepeda, who has built his reputation through pressure and sustained output, is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Shakur Stevenson last July in Queens. The defeat did not diminish his credibility, as his approach forced Stevenson into exchanges he normally avoids.
Style test comes up
Zepeda attacked the body early and repeatedly, forcing Stevenson to spend long stretches on the ropes while absorbing sustained offense. Replays of the third round showed Stevenson hitting the canvas after a jab, although the knockdown was not officially called.
Garcia’s exclamation pits Muratalla against a style that offers a different kind of scrutiny. Muratalla relies on timing and power, while Zepeda forces opponents to work at a higher pace over twelve rounds. That contrast will require Muratalla to answer questions he hasn’t faced consistently.
Now press promoters
The promotional reality adds urgency as Muratalla fights under Top Rank while Zepeda is promoted by Golden Boy, forcing the two rival companies to agree before the event moves elsewhere. Garcia’s public message removes uncertainty about his position and indicates that Muratalla’s team is prepared to continue the match directly.
Zepeda also remains positioned near the top of the WBC rankings and could be targeted for separate title opportunities, increasing the importance of timing for any deal. Garcia doesn’t make public requests casually, and this one reads like a deliberate move to secure a fight that could quickly determine Muratalla’s position in the division.
