During Saturday nights broadcast on ESPN+, Tim Bradley, mentioned that Raymond Muratalla would beat Keyshawn Davis. OK, does Bradley have something against Davis? The reality is that Muratalla is far beyond facing a prospect, no matter how talented. This guy is ready for the elite at 135.
He showed that by dismantling the previously undefeated Diego Torres in eight rounds at the Tahoe Blue Event Center in Lake Tahoe.
Mikey Williams/Top Rank
Muratalla just systematically broke down Torres with a technically sound two-fisted attack.
Raymond Muratalla Dominates Diego Torres & Finishes With Impressive Knockout | FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS
“I’m here to put on a show. Every day I’m working hard to get these opportunities. And I’m showing out," said Muratalla, who is a man of few words. In the past he could be accused of being a tad methodical, but on this night he was steady in his attack, and showed a wide variety of punches. But it isn't just his heavy hands, he's also a technically sound boxer who has a certain poise inside that ring. He is the very definition of boxer-puncher.
At 26 years old and 19 fights (19-0, 16 KOs), by today's standards he is ready for bigger and better things. The Top Rank matchmakers who have an discerning eye are believers in Muratalla. Currently, Devin Haney is still listed as the champion in three of the organizations, although his next fight comes at junior welterweight versus WBC titlist, Regis Prograis. Shakur Stevenson faces Edwin De Los Santos for the vacant WBC lightweight belt on November 16.
Top Rank
Robert Garcia, who trains Muratalla says that his man is ready for, ''Anybody. We're ready for it. I don't know what Top Rank has in mind with some of those belts belonging to Devin Haney, but yeah, it doesn't matter who."
And yeah, that includes Stevenson, who is being avoided by most of the division like the plague.
"We would(face him), no problem, at all," Garcia insisted to SNAC.com. "We know that's probably the most difficult one out of the whole group but we'll still fight him. No problem."
Muratalla looks to be a fighter that is ready to make a mark. If you look at the Ring Magazine ratings, he is currently ranked 10th in the division. My opinion is that there are just a few guys on that list who would be even money or favored over him (Stevenson, Tank Davis and maybe William Zepeda).
Garcia is no stranger to world-class boxers, and world champions, in Muratalla he believes he has his next one.
"I think he's one of the best I've ever worked with. I've been saying it for a few years, just like I did with 'Bam' (Rodriguez)'' said the respected trainer. "I think he's one of those special ones. A little by little people are starting to notice."
All Muratalla has to say is, "I’m here to take whoever. Any champion. I hope my next fight is a title fight."
Yeah, he's as soft-spoken as he is hard hitting.
EFE
In what was the actual main event in Lake Tahoe, Efe Ajagba stopped Joseph Goodall in four rounds.
Heavyweight Efe Ajagba With Breakthrough Performance Knocking Out Joe Goodall | FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS
Ajagba (19-1, 14 KOs) is a strong fighter. Yeah, you could say that he's stiffer than a crowbar, but when he hits you it probably feels like one. He might be a bit mechanical but he has legitimate power. I'm not sure he'll ever win a major title but he does bring a certain style that when matched correctly, can be very entertaining.
Mikey Williams/Top Rank
Maybe he'll be this generations version of Ernie Shavers or Ron Lyle.
And there's nothing wrong with that.
FINAL FLURRIES
Joe Cordina did enough to retain his IBF 130-pound title against the game Edwin Vazquez in Monte Carlo....How 'bout this for a potential fight -- the aforementioned Zepeda versus Muratalla?.....Ohara Davies-Ismael Barroso for the interim WBA junior welterweight title has been added to the Ryan Garcia-Oscar Duarte undercard on Dec. 2 in Houston...Right now, Oregon is playing as well as anyone in the country....CJ Stroud already looks like a franchise quarterback.....I can be reached at k9kim@yahoo.com....
