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Saturday, January 11, 2025

Muratalla claims title shot after beating Perez


Raymond Muratalla (22-0, 17 KOs) is looking to retain a world lightweight title following his second round knockout victory over Jesus Perez (25-6, 18 KOs) last Saturday night in an ESPN televised fight in Verona, New York.

(Credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank)

#2 WBC and #2 WBO ranked Muratalla dropped Perez twice with left hands in round two. It was halted shortly after the second knockout by referee Charlie Fitch, who saw the condition the 27-year-old Perez was in and chose not to let it continue.

Perez is a light welterweight and has fought at 147 in recent fights. He did not look strong, and watered down to 135 to be the opponent for Muratalla. In retrospect, Top Rank should have picked a true lightweight for Muratalla to fight rather than picking a fighter who competed at welterweight and recently ballooned to 200+lb.

Muratalla’s performance against Perez featured the main event between WBC super featherweight champion Robson Conceicao and O’Shaquie Foster. That fight was barely visible between the two in their rematch, which was booed by the crowd at the Turning Stone Resort Casino.

Top Rank is believed to be positioning Muratalla to fight for the IBF lightweight belt next and is waiting to see if champion Vasily Lomachenko retires. If the IBF belt becomes vacant, #4 Muratalla and #5 Zaur Abdullaev will be expected to fight for it.

William Zepeda is the number one contender for the IBF title, but he will challenge Shakur Stevenson for his WBC belt in February. Keyshawn is rated #2, but the top ranking positions him to challenge for the WBO title against champion Denys Berinchyk.

“I’m asking for these title shots, and they haven’t given it to me. So, tonight I proved that I deserve it. I want any of the champions,” said Raymond Muratalla ESPNfollowing his second round knockout victory over Jesus Perez last Saturday night.

I wouldn’t say Muratalla proved he deserved a title shot after his win over Perez because it wasn’t a lightweight contender he beat. Perez is a light welterweight who came into the fight with a 1-2 record and looked weak in his last three fights.

For Muratalla to earn a title shot, he will need to beat these types of contenders:

– Andy Cruz
– William Zepeda
– Keyshawn Davis
– Edwin De Los Santos

“I am ready for you (Vasily Lomachenko). I’m ready for Shakur. I am ready for Berinchyk; I’m fine with any of the guys with a belt. I am here; I’m just waiting for that call. I’m just waiting for his decision, and I’m waiting for that call,” Muratalla said as he waited for IBF lightweight champion Lomachenko to decide whether to retire or fight him next.



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