“After my last fight, the boxing world really got to know who I am,” said Muratalla. “People saw me as the underdog, even though I was the champion, and I showed that I can’t be underestimated.
“Now I’m defending my title against another Olympic gold medalist, and I plan to look even better. I’m focused, I’m ready, and I’m handling business on August 1.”
Conceição is looking to regain world-title status after previously holding the WBC junior lightweight championship.
“They said it was impossible when I dreamed of winning an Olympic gold medal,” said Conceição. “They said that when I pursued my first world title. I accomplished both, and it’s no different now.
“I have a lot of respect for Raymond Muratalla, but I’m ready for this challenge. I want to prove that determination, experience, and the heart of a champion can overcome any obstacle.
“On August 1, I will fight for myself, for my family, and for all of Brazil.”
Muratalla enters the fight unbeaten at 24-0 with 17 knockouts. The California native was elevated to full IBF champion following the retirement of Vasiliy Lomachenko and most recently retained the title with a decision victory over Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz in February.
Conceição, 21-3-1 with 10 knockouts, became Brazil’s first Olympic boxing gold medalist at the 2016 Games. The 37-year-old captured the WBC junior lightweight title by defeating O’Shaquie Foster in July 2024 before losing the belt in their rematch later that year.
Top Rank President Todd duBoef believes the matchup is a strong addition to the August installment of “The Fight” series.
“Raymond Muratalla has solidified himself as one of the top lightweights in the world. His recent decisive victory against Andy Cruz reinforced his elite status in boxing,” said duBoef.
“This upcoming defense against Olympic gold medalist and former world champion Robson Conceição will have the fans entertained from the first bell.”
Read the full article here
