Tim Bradley gets a bit excited when someone in the lightweight division takes center stage. Whether it’s Shakur Stevenson, Frank Martin, Vasiliy Lomachenko, or Gervonta Davis, Bradley enjoys watching them all. But, when Raymond Muratalla enters the ring, the newly inducted Hall of Famer begins jumping up and down.
For years now, Bradley has paid close attention to the 26-year-old. And, during a recent performance, Bradley was left in awe.
Diego Torres Nunez wasn’t the biggest name around but he brought an undefeated record to the table and power in both fists. Yet, even with the Mexican native promising to take care of business, Muratalla made it look incredibly easy.
Bradley, immediately after, stood on his feet and gave the rising contender a standing ovation. As for what’s next, Bradley doesn’t yield that sort of authority. If he did, Bradley would make sure Muratalla fought for one of the sport’s most prized possessions.
“This is a kid that deserves a title shot,” said Bradley on the ESPN telecast.
Muratalla might be ready for a world title opportunity, but the likelihood of him actually landing one next is a long shot. For starters, Shakur Stevenson and Edwin De Los Santos are already getting it on for the vacant WBC title on November 16th. The remaining three titles, at least to a certain degree, are being held hostage by Devin Haney.
The 24-year-old is officially moving up in weight on December 9th to Regis Prograis, the super lightweight division’s WBC champion. Haney could’ve made it easier on everyone and vacated his three titles. But, he’s decided to hold onto them, leaving the door wide open on a lightweight return.
From Bradley’s point of view, it wouldn’t be prudent for Haney to drop back down in weight. The former two-division champ has always been of the belief that Stevenson would beat Haney. Now, after watching the demolition job that Muratalla displayed last weekend, Bradley believes that Stevenson isn’t the only one who has Haney’s number.
“We don’t know what Haney is gonna do after he fights Regis Prograis but I can assure you this, if he was to fight Muratalla, I would put my money on Muratalla.”