AFTER being upgraded to full IBF lightweight world champion two months ago, Raymond Muratalla is now in negotiations for an attempted first defence of his title in November.
When Muratalla, 23-0 (17 KOs), stepped through the ropes to face Zaur Abdullaev for the IBF interim title in May, there was a sense that the victor would claim more than just the belt that was on offer, due to rumours of Vasyl Lomachenko’s retirement.
‘Danger’ went on to comfortably outpoint Abdullaev in San Diego and sure enough, reigning champion ‘Loma’ confirmed his retirement the following month, allowing Muratalla to be upgraded to full IBF lightweight champion.
However, despite just two months atop the division, Muratalla has already frustrated some fans, following his reported refusal to take on highly rated mandatory challenger Andy Cruz this November.
Instead, Ring Magazine is now reporting that Muratalla will proceed with the November fight date, but that he is currently in negotiations to face fellow undefeated American Floyd Schofield, 19-0 (13 KOs).
Schofield was scheduled to challenge Shakur Stevenson for the WBC title at 135lbs earlier this year, until illness saw ‘Kid Austin’ withdraw from the contest during fight week, before Stevenson proceeded to halt late-notice replacement, Josh Padley.
Yet, Schofield would regain momentum four months later, when he knocked out former super-featherweight world champion Tevin Farmer in the opening round of their supposedly well-matched clash in Anaheim back in June.
Meanwhile, Muratalla needed the full 10 rounds when tasked with Farmer last year and could well have been trumped on the scorecards after a close encounter.
Muratalla-Schofield could potentially land on the Ortiz-Lubin bill as the co-main event, with that card scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 8, at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
