Raymond Muratalla left little doubt about the outcome Saturday night, but the unbeaten IBF lightweight champion admitted afterward that his latest title defense came under difficult circumstances. After outboxing Robson Conceição over 12 rounds, Muratalla revealed that making the lightweight limit has become increasingly difficult and suggested his future belongs at 140 pounds.
Muratalla (25-0, 17 KOs) retained his title with a unanimous decision over the former Olympic gold medalist by scores of 118-110, 119-109, and 119-109 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. The champion controlled the fight with disciplined boxing, consistent body work, and sharp combinations that prevented Conceição from finding any sustained success.
Despite the lopsided scorecards, Muratalla did not believe he performed at his highest level.
“I felt good. I don’t think I gave my best performance. I think making 135 is a little hard for me. I’m going to feel a lot better at 140,” Muratalla said after the fight. “Yes, this will be my last fight at 135. It’s tough making this weight and I’m looking forward to moving up.”
The comments immediately raise questions about how much longer Muratalla plans to remain at lightweight. He captured the vacant IBF title earlier this year and successfully defended it against Conceição, but his postfight remarks indicate the strain of making weight is becoming a significant factor.
Conceição, a former Olympic champion who previously campaigned at 130 pounds, showed toughness by lasting the distance but spent much of the fight trying to solve Muratalla’s jab and body attack. The challenger remained competitive in spots, yet he struggled to slow the champion’s pace or force exchanges on his terms.
If Muratalla decides to move to junior welterweight, he would enter one of boxing’s deepest divisions with his unbeaten record intact and a world title already on his resume. His performance against Conceição confirmed he remains one of the sport’s most technically polished young champions, even if he believes his best boxing will come five pounds heavier.
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Last Updated on 2026/08/01 at 11:28 PM
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