The IBF 135-pound champ looked directly into the camera and called Stevenson out following his close majority decision win over Andy Cruz last month.
Seldom is Stevenson the hunted. However, Muratalla has said time and time again the 2016 Olympic silver medalist is his number one target. Stevenson, of course, isn’t the type to duck any action. But for those who believe he’d have a difficult time in the ring with Muratalla, all Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) can do is laugh.
“I would love the Muratalla fight,” Stevenson told Cigar Talk. “I would beat him so easily.”
Stevenson, 28, has a few options. The Ring’s No. 6 pound-for-pounder shone like a diamond last New York’s Madison Square Garden on The Ring 6 as he dismantled Teofimo Lopez to become a four-division champion. Now, with The Ring and WBO 140-pound straps in his possession, he isn’t entirely sure what his next move will be.
Would he be willing to move back down, where he still holds the WBC lightweight belt, to fight Muratalla? It depends on the pay day.
“I think Muratalla is a good fighter,” Stevenson said. “I’m not saying he’s a bad fighter so I would love that fight but how lucrative is the fight? How much money are y’all gonna pay me for this fight?”
Getting it on with Muratalla (24-0, 17 KOs) probably won’t give Stevenson the sort of purse he’s looking for, but the IBF champion impressed in his win over Cruz. Still, Stevenson won’t give him too much credit for it.
“Andy Cruz is nice,” Stevenson said. “But he don’t have the experience. Andy is still an amateur. Helluva fighter, but he’s not a 12-round fighter.”