Raymond Muratalla has given up his IBF lightweight championship to chase contenders in the light welterweight division, relinquishing a title he solidified with wins over Andy Cruz and Robson Conceição.
Chris Mannix broke the news on Thursday, noting that the 29‑year‑old’s tenure at 135 lb is over. Muratalla captured the full belt after Vasiliy Lomachenko stepped away, edged Andy Cruz by a 12‑round majority decision in January, and held onto it with a unanimous decision over Robson Conceição in August.
By vacating, Muratalla avoids the cost and limited market appeal of defending against the IBF’s lower‑ranked challengers. He and his team believe that fighting for money at 140 lb will outweigh the sanctioning fees required to face opponents who lack a strong U.S. following.
The challenge lies in securing opponents willing to step up. Shakur Stevenson holds the WBO belt, Gary Antuanne Russell possesses the WBA title, and Dalton Smith is the WBC champion. Muratalla brings technical pressure, durability, and back‑to‑back wins over two Olympic gold medalists, making him a formidable foe—yet Russell or Smith have no mandatory obligation to grant him a voluntary defense.
Shakur Stevenson presents the most straightforward path, as the WBO ranks Muratalla No. 1. However, Stevenson’s allegiance to Zuffa Boxing removes the Top Rank link that could have eased talks. While the ranking gives Muratalla leverage, the WBO has not yet issued a formal mandatory designation.
His exit also highlights the thinness of the IBF’s lightweight pipeline. The No. 1 position remains vacant, with Artur Subkhankulov and Dzmitry Asanau next in line, neither of whom can claim a victory on par with Muratalla’s win over Cruz.
Top Rank continues to promote WBO lightweight titlist Abdullah Mason, but its top‑rated 135‑lb talent has departed. Muratalla traded a secure belt for the chance at more lucrative bouts in a division where champions often face softer opposition.
Victories over Cruz and Conceição confirmed Muratalla’s place among the elite, yet they also label him the sort of high‑risk challenger that top champions tend to sidestep unless compelled by a sanctioning mandate or a substantial purse.
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