Muratalla and Garcia Question Shakur’s Title Defense Choice
In the world of boxing, every fight is a chance for a fighter to prove their worth and climb the ranks. However, for WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, his next title defense has left many puzzled.
According to sources, Stevenson will be defending his title against #8 ranked Artem Harutyunyan, a fighter coming off a loss, on July 6th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This decision has raised eyebrows, including those of Raymond Muratalla and his trainer Robert Garcia.
Muratalla Feels Overlooked
Muratalla, who holds the #2 spot in the WBC rankings, believes he should be the one facing Stevenson on July 6th. With an impressive record of 19-0 and 16 knockouts, Muratalla feels he has earned the right to challenge for the title. He sees Stevenson’s decision to defend against a fighter coming off a loss as a sign of disrespect.
Not only that, but Muratalla also points out that Stevenson is coming off a lackluster performance in his last fight against Edwin De Los Santos. Many felt that Stevenson lost that fight, and Muratalla believes he should have given De Los Santos a rematch to prove himself as a true champion.
Muratalla is set to fight tonight against Xolisani Ndongeni, and he sees this as an opportunity to showcase his skills and prove that he is a worthy opponent for Stevenson.
“I don’t know why he’s fighting a guy that lost his last fight when he could fight me. I’m here, we’re in the same promotion, so I don’t know why I’m not an option,” Muratalla stated in an interview.
Garcia: “Pound-for-pound fighters should fight the best”
Trainer Robert Garcia also weighed in on the situation, expressing his disappointment in Stevenson’s choice of opponent. “If you’re pound-for-pound the best, you got to fight the best. That’s who you should be fighting,” Garcia stated.
Garcia also revealed that Muratalla was offered a fight against Teofimo Lopez, but the opportunity was turned down. “Seeing how none of the 135 champs are willing to fight Raymond, we said yes. And this is what they choose?” Garcia tweeted.
It’s clear that both Muratalla and Garcia believe that Stevenson should be facing tougher opponents and not someone coming off a loss. They see this as a missed opportunity for Stevenson to prove himself as a true champion.
Kosport Magazine’s Take
As a leading sports media outlet, Kosport Magazine believes that champions should always strive to fight the best and prove their worth. While Stevenson’s decision to defend against Harutyunyan may seem puzzling, we must remember that anything can happen in the ring. Muratalla and Garcia may have their doubts, but only time will tell if Stevenson made the right choice.
What do you think of Stevenson’s decision to defend against Harutyunyan? Let us know in the comments below.
