Raymond Muratalla vs Jeremia Nakathila 20.05.2023
Raymond Muratalla made a resounding statement in the lightweight division on a night marked by high-profile bouts. Fighting on the same night as Devin Haney’s title defence, Muratalla showcased his prowess by stopping fringe contender Jeremia Nakathila in the second round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Muratalla, hailing from Fontana, California, advanced his unblemished record to 18-0 with 15 knockouts. The fight began with a cautious first round, but Muratalla soon took control, initiating aggressive exchanges in the second round. Near the round’s end, Muratalla’s powerful right hand stunned Nakathila, sending him staggering into a corner. Muratalla seized the moment, unleashing a flurry of punches that prompted referee Robert Hoyle to halt the bout at 2:48, declaring a technical knockout.
This impressive victory came just eight weeks after Muratalla’s dramatic ninth-round knockout of Humberto Galindo, a fight where Muratalla had to recover from an early knockdown. Determined to make a significant impact, Muratalla demonstrated increased motivation and focus in his bout against Nakathila.
Nakathila, entering the ring with a record of 23-3 and 19 knockouts, faced his first knockout defeat in 26 professional fights. The Namibian fighter, 33, had not competed in nearly 14 months since his technical knockout victory over former WBC champion Miguel Berchelt.
Muratalla’s quick turnaround and bold approach solidified his status as a legitimate contender in the 135-pound division. The 26-year-old fighter had previously overcome a first-round knockdown to stop Galindo in the ninth round, a victory that occurred just two days prior to his bout with Nakathila.
With this victory, Muratalla has sent a clear message to the lightweight division: he is a force to be reckoned with. As he continues to climb the ranks, fans can expect more thrilling performances from this rising star.
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Filed under: Lightweight - @ May 20, 2023 11:59 pm