Garcia Makes His Intent Clear
“How about a fight in Southern California between Raymond Muratalla and Camaron Zepeda this summer? @GoldenBoyBoxing @trboxing,” Garcia wrote.
The timing of Garcia’s message reflects Muratalla’s strengthened position following his majority decision win over Andy Cruz on January 24. Cruz entered unbeaten and widely respected after winning Olympic gold in 2020, but Muratalla’s aggression persuaded two judges to award him the decision. That result elevated Muratalla’s standing and placed him in a different tier of discussion inside the division.
Zepeda, who built his reputation through pressure and sustained output, is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Shakur Stevenson last July in Queens. The defeat did not diminish his credibility because his approach forced Stevenson into exchanges he normally avoids.
Style Test Emerges
Zepeda attacked the body early and repeatedly, forcing Stevenson to spend extended stretches on the ropes while absorbing sustained offense. Replays of the third round showed Stevenson touching the canvas after a jab, though the knockdown was not ruled official.
Garcia’s callout positions Muratalla opposite a style that presents a different kind of examination. Muratalla relies on timing and power, while Zepeda forces opponents to operate at a higher pace over twelve rounds. That contrast would require Muratalla to answer questions he has not consistently faced.
Pressure Now on Promoters
The promotional reality adds urgency because Muratalla fights under Top Rank while Zepeda is promoted by Golden Boy, forcing the two rival companies to agree before the opportunity moves elsewhere. Garcia’s public message removes uncertainty about his position and signals that Muratalla’s team is prepared to pursue the matchup directly.
Zepeda also remains positioned near the top of the WBC rankings and could be directed toward separate title opportunities, which increases the importance of timing for any agreement. Garcia does not make public requests casually, and this one reads like a deliberate move to secure a fight that could quickly define Muratalla’s position in the division.
