The IBF lightweight champion scored a lopsided decision win over Robson Conceicao in his second title defense on August 1, but Muratalla wasn’t pleased with his performance. Immediately after, he and his trainer Robert Garcia confirmed they would target the junior welterweight division moving forward.

“[Muratalla] told me personally, ‘Look, Robert, I felt really good condition-wise, but my strength wasn’t there anymore.' He cuts too much weight,” Garcia told the Mr. Verzace Podcast. “Raymond’s a big boy. He’s been fighting at 135 his whole career. But now, it really hurts him to make weight. At 140, those five pounds will make a difference.”

Now Muratalla and Garcia want The Ring and WBO champion at 140, Shakur Stevenson, who is still ranked No. 1 with The Ring at 135 pounds, where Muratalla sits at No. 2.

Stevenson would prefer the fight at lightweight, and Garcia understands why, but says a clash should take place five pounds north instead.

“Shakur’s champion at 140, let’s do that fight for his titles at 140,” Garcia added.

Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) wouldn’t be the first pure boxer Muratalla faced. He defeated former champion Tevin Farmer by unanimous decision in 2024. He also beat 2020 Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz in January, earlier this year.

But while those were good wins against good fighters, Garcia knows that Stevenson is on a different level. So, if Muratalla gets the opportunity to face the four-division champion, Garcia is aware that he’ll have to bring his A game.

“That’s a fight Raymond has been asking for," Garcia said. "He wants it. We are going to have to do our homework and it won’t be easy. We’re gonna have to work extra hard.”