Garcia, who trains Muratalla, posted a message on the website X addressed to Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, openly proposing a matchup and suggesting Southern California as the location.
“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 victory over Andy Cruz on January 24. Cruz, after winning Olympic gold in 2020, entered the fight undefeated and widely respected, but Muratalla’s aggression convinced two judges to award him the decision. This result raised the bar for Muratalla and moved him to the next level of discussion in the division.
Zepeda, who made a name for himself with constant pressure and bulky striking, suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Shakur Stevenson last July in Queens. The defeat did little to affect his position, as his forward momentum and bodywork pushed Stevenson into rallies he rarely engages in.
The style test appears
Zepeda went to the body early and kept kicking, driving Stevenson back to the ropes for long stretches and forcing him to take a lot of punches. Replays in the third quarter showed Stevenson grazing the canvas after the jab, although there was never a knockdown.
Garcia’s explanations give Muratalla a style that asks different questions. Muratalla is working on his timing and strength. Zepeda gets his opponents up to speed for twelve rounds. This look would force Muratalla to deal with constant pressure that he did not face on a regular basis.
Pressure on promoters now
The business side adds tension. Muratalla is competing in the top flight while Zepeda sits alongside Golden Boy, meaning both sides will have to sit down and agree terms before the opening closes. Garcia’s public conversation leaves no doubt as to where his camp stands and signals that the Garcias are willing to push for a fight rather than wait for softer options.
Zepeda also remains near the top of the WBC rankings and could be targeted for separate title opportunities, which increases the importance of timing in any deal. Garcia doesn’t make public requests casually, and this could be read as a deliberate move to secure a fight that could quickly determine Muratalla’s standing in the division.
Dan Ambrose is a boxing journalist at Boxing News 24, respected for his direct analysis and extensive coverage of the global fighting landscape. His reports focus on the most crucial fights, division development and the most discussed stories in sports.