IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla and #3-ranked contender Floyd Schofield are in negotiations for a fight in November on DAZN.
Muratalla Bypasses Andy Cruz for Schofield
Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs) had been in negotiations with his IBF mandatory, Andy Cruz, but the talks failed over a money dispute. So, instead of facing the 2020 Olympic gold medalist Cruz, the Top Rank-promoted Muratalla, 28, will make a voluntary defense against Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs).
Manouk Akopyan broke the news on X today, August 27, 2025, of the Muratalla negotiating with Schofield. It’s a fight that will create interest with fans. Schofield, 23, is coming off a surprise first-round knockout win over former IBF super featherweight champion Tevin Farmer on June 28, 2025, in Anaheim, California.
Farmer, 35, came into the Schofield fight having lost consecutive razor-close decisions to William Zepeda. The veteran was expected to give Shofield a lot of trouble and potentially beat him. Farmer took a lot of punishment in the two Zepeda fights. Going straight into a clash against the big puncher, Schofield turned out to be a mistake for Tevin.
It’s not a surprise that Muratalla’s promoters at Top Rank are choosing to fight Schofield rather than the Cuban Andy Cruz. The technical skills that Cruz possesses would make it difficult for Muratalla to land his power shots. With the still inexperienced Schofield, Muratalla stands a better chance of winning.
Schofield doesn’t possess the same amateur credentials as Cruz. His record as an amateur was 40-17. In contrast, Cruz’s record was 140-9, including an Olympic gold medal in 2020.
New Home for Top Rank?
Muratalla’s promoters at Top Rank still don’t have a broadcasting deal yet after their contract with ESPN expired last month on July 26th. So, if the Muratalla vs. Schofield does get made, it’ll be shown on DAZN. Schofield’s promoters at Golden Boy have a deal with DAZN for their cards to be shown on that platform.
Muratalla was recently elevated to the full IBF 135-lb champion status on June 9th after the previous champ, Vasily Lomachenko, retired. Before that, Muratalla had been the IBF interim champion after winning that title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Zaur Abdullaev on May 10 in San Diego, California.
Last Updated on 08/27/2025
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