Raymond Muratalla: “I’m Here to Defend my Title & Make a Statement

Fontana, California’s IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla (23-0, 17 KO’s) will be making the first defense of his title this weekend as he squares off against undefeated Andy Cruz (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Cuba. Muratalla takes on Cruz this Saturday night at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas live on DAZN.

“This is a good one for boxing for me, I’m feeling great and excited for this one. I’m excited to put on a show for the fans,” Muratalla told Southern California Boxing. “I’m expecting a good fight. I’m prepared to win and ready for whatever he brings.”

Looking to make a successful defense, Muratalla is coming off a unanimous decision over Zaur Abdullaev last year in winning the IBF interim title. Following Lomachenko’s retirement last year, Muratalla was elevated to IBF champion.

“I’m ready. You will see what type of work I’ve been putting,” Muratalla said.

Wrapping up a solid training camp at the RGBA in Riverside, California, Muratalla was under the guidance of Robert Garcia in preparation for Cruz.

“This preparation has been a lot of hard work. Day in and day out, everyday continuing to learn and improve, rather it’s speed power working on fundamentals basics. I have brought a lot of different styles in for sparring to prepare for this fight,” Muratalla said about his preparation. “Being a part of their team has been huge for my career. They got me to be a champion, always looking out for the fighters and pushing me to be great and trying to improve overall as a fighter,” Muratalla added.

Cruz, the IBF number one contender and Olympic Gold Medalist, had a stellar amateur career with multiple wins over former champion Keyshawn Davis including the win at the Olympic finals, has made the transition to pro a smooth one. Scoring a fifth-round stoppage over Hironori Mishiro in his last fight, Cruz made his mark at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

“I think he is a good boxer. Moves around the ring good but not enough to beat me. I will show that come fight night,” Muratalla on Cruz. “I don’t think it will be my toughest fight. I just think he is a good boxer and my mindset I’m not losing. Cubans are good boxers, their movement and the way they move around the ring, it’s just not enough,” Muratalla added.

A victory over Cruz Saturday night will solidify Muratalla in the 135-pound lightweight division. A stacked division which includes WBC champion Shakur Stevenson, WBA champion-in-recess Gervonta Davis, WBO champion Abdullah Mason, along with top contenders William Zepeda and Floyd Schofield.

“It’s a big fight. This will get me close to a big fight. A win here puts me at the top. Hopefully with a win I get more big fights for boxing and the fans,” The champ said. “Whoever is out there I am looking for big fights. As long is the fight is good at 135, I’ll stay at 135. If I can get something big at 140, then I will go to 140. It all depends on how big of fight.”

Muratalla gave his take on the lightweight division. “I think the lightweight division is a good competitive division. I think any of the top guys makes for a great fight for me and the fans,”

Confident in victory, Muratalla’s experience and desire could be the difference in this fight over the highly skilled Cruz.

“Expect the champion to be a champion. I’m here to defend my title and make a statement.”