Raymond Muratalla Ready for 140, Targets Shakur Stevenson

“I felt the effects of just like the weight cut. Didn’t feel my strongest. Everything wasn’t on point like it usually is,” said Muratalla to ProBox TV.

Moving up five pounds is what Muratalla wants next, although nothing has been finalized with Top Rank.

“That’s one thing I’m looking forward to. I’ve started to feel that in the ring. So I think it’s about that time to move up and feel a lot better and perform a lot better, too.”

Muratalla described making 135 as difficult and said it has “never been easy.” Competing at 140 should make the physical demands easier and allow him to perform closer to his best.

Stevenson is the major target. Muratalla has wanted the fight before, and moving into the light welterweight division would give him another opportunity to pursue it.

“I think it only makes sense now. Something we’ve been wanting and just never goes through. I think at this point, that’d be something that the fans would love to see.”

Muratalla believes his adaptability would give Stevenson a different test from his previous opponents.

“He’s never faced a fighter like me. I think it’s going to put out a good fight for the boxing fans. It’s definitely a fight that’s going to be competitive, a challenging fight and something that boxing needs.”

No decision has been announced regarding Muratalla’s IBF lightweight title, and he said there is no plan yet for his next fight. His preference, however, is clear: move to 140 and pursue the biggest fights available.

If Stevenson isn’t available, Muratalla wants the other champions in the division.

“Mostly champions. That’s all I really want. Whoever is champion, that’s what I’m going to be looking at and headed for.”