Ryan Garcia 'always been like that' says friend and amateur rival Raymond Muratalla

Raymond Muratalla, the IBF featherweight boss, was the underdog for many when he defeated touted Cuban Andy Cruz earlier in the year, but he starts favorite against Robson Conceicao on August 1.

They fight in Las Vegas on the bill topped by Lamont Roach-William Zepeda and 29-year-old Muratalla is 24-0 (17 KOs) as a pro thus far.

But he was also a good amateur and holds three wins over Ryan Garcia, who yesterday it was announced will face Conor Benn in Las Vegas on September 12.

Garcia is now two weight classes above Muratalla, but the Robert Garcia-trained champion has not ruled out fighting Garcia again down the line.

Asked whether he and Garcia have been close over the years, and whether they might meet in the ring again, Muratalla said: “Definitely, maybe down the future, but yeah, as far as right now, [it’s] just way different weight classes right now. Back then it was a lot more like closer [between he and Garcia], but we were kids, but recently, no, not really. It’s definitely cool to just see the success he’s had. 

“Cause I mean, he’s been to my house a lot of times, we’ve been playing basketball a lot of times. So it’s definitely nice to see that success that he’s getting. So it’s a great feeling, you know?”

And Muratalla said their friendship, at that age, did not extend to any nights out. It was basketball and hanging out.

“Back then, no, we were kids,’ he said. “We were just outside playing basketball and stuff like that.”

Garcia, of course, is not just known for his fighting. He has become one of the sport’s most talked about boxers and is one of the most followed on social media.

His success has not surprised Muratalla at all.

“Yeah, definitely not surprised, man,” Muratalla said. “He’s always been like that. He’s always been outgoing and funny. So, yeah, I’m not surprised at all to see that.”