Lightweight Raymond Muratalla proved his mettle by defeating former titleholder Tevin Farmer in a 10-round unanimous decision Saturday at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
Muratalla's victory – by scores of 97-92, 96-93 and 95-94 – sets the stage for a potential title shot.
The bout began with a steady first round as Muratalla (21-0, 16 KOs), 27, of Fontana, California, applied pressure and focused on Farmer’s body. Farmer, however, stayed busy and evasive, challenging Muratalla’s strategy. By the third round, Muratalla began adjusting to Farmer’s angles, but Farmer, using his experience, still managed to land first, offsetting Muratalla’s forward movement.
Farmer's foot speed and counterpunching were evident, but Muratalla found his rhythm in the fifth, closing the distance and increasing his effectiveness. Despite Muratalla not being able to keep Farmer on the ropes initially, his persistence paid off.
The turning point came in the eighth when Farmer (33-5-1), 33, of Philadelphia, was deducted a point for holding by referee Thomas Taylor. The interjection shifted the momentum toward Muratalla, who then showcased his best work, landing significant body shots and a strong right uppercut.
Trainer Robert Garcia urged Muratalla to increase his punch output and maintain pressure. Farmer's fatigue became apparent in the final rounds, while Muratalla remained active and energized. In the 10th, Muratalla landed a big right hand that may have been his best shot of the fight, sealing a win that he hopes will vault him into a fight against a world titleholder.
Muratalla is currently ranked No. 2 by the WBC and WBO, and No. 4 by the IBF. One potential matchup: WBO lightweight titlist Denys Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs), 36, of Kiev, Ukraine, who defeated Emanuel Navarrete to win the strap in May.
Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.
