Raymond Muratalla retained his IBF lightweight title with a dominant unanimous decision win over Robson Conceição in Las Vegas on Saturday, before revealing he will move up to the junior welterweight division after struggling to make the 135-pound limit.
Muratalla extended his unbeaten record to 25-0 with 17 knockouts at The Theater at Virgin Hotels. The judges turned in wide scorecards of 118-110, 119-109, and 119-109 in his favour. Throughout the 12 rounds, the champion dictated the distance through disciplined boxing, consistent body work, and sharp combinations. Conceição found himself unable to establish sustained offense or force the action on his own terms.
The challenger brought Olympic credentials into the ring. Having previously campaigned at 130 pounds, Conceição displayed durability under heavy pressure to see out the full distance. However, he spent the majority of the bout struggling to adjust to Muratalla’s precise jab and relentless work rate to the body.
Despite controlling the contest, Muratalla expressed dissatisfaction with his physical condition during the weight-cutting process before the bout.
“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.
He then confirmed his future plans directly.
“Yes, this will be my last fight at 135. It’s tough making this weight and I’m looking forward to moving up.”
His postfight comments indicate that his reign as IBF champion will be short-lived. Having captured the vacant belt earlier this year, Muratalla’s expected division change will leave the lightweight title open once again. Moving up five pounds places him into one of boxing’s deepest divisions, where he will aim to maintain his momentum against naturally larger junior welterweights.
The decision marks a practical shift for the Californian fighter. While making weight hampered his movement on Saturday, his technical skills remained clear throughout the bout. Entering the 140-pound division with an undefeated record and a world title defense on his resume positions Muratalla as a serious threat at the higher weight limit.
