3 hrs ago
2 min read
Shakur Stevenson has a slew of options to consider for his next fight.
Stevenson easily handled Teofimo Lopez for a career-best win in January to claim The Ring and WBO junior welterweight titles.
Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) is also ranked as the world's No. 1 lightweight by The Ring and sits No. 3 on the pound-for-pound list. Although the WBC stripped Stevenson of his 135-pound title for refusing to pay a $120,000 sanctioning fee, he's still open to competing in the division and taking on all comers.
If Stevenson were to face IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla (24-0, 17 KOs), The Ring’s No. 2-ranked fighter in the division, the vacant Ring title would also be on the line.
WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney joined the to play matchmaker and prognosticator for a potential matchup between the four-division titleholder Stevenson and Muratalla, who’s coming off an impressive first title defense in January with a majority decision win against Andy Cruz.
“I think that's a good fight for Shakur,” said Haney. “I was impressed by Muratalla against Andy Cruz. I'm not going to say that I didn't have him winning that fight, but just didn't think he would dominate the way that he did, even though it was a close fight on the cards. He showed that he was a much better and seasoned fighter.
“I knew he was good, but didn't know he was that good. He turned all of us into believers. Muratalla can [give Stevenson a fight] with the type of style he brought in the Cruz fight. He's a power boxer and has a lot of experience, but I don't think he can get Shakur out of a rhythm.
“He's been around for a while, and he's been good since he was a kid. We sparred when we were 9. I think [Muratalla’s coach] Robert Garcia would put up a good game plan for him to try and implement [pressure], but I don't think that's really Muratalla's style.”
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan.
Inside The Ring airs live every Monday on DAZN (2 p.m. ET/7 GMT), providing interviews, analysis and breaking news with the sport's most captivating names. Portions of each episode will become available on The Ring’s YouTube channel after they stream live. Also follow on Instagram (@insideringshow), TikTok (@InsideRingShow), X (@InsideRingShow) and Facebook (Inside Ring Show).
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Shakur Stevenson Gives Take On Facing Raymond Muratalla
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