Robert Garcia Calls for Raymond Muratalla vs William Zepeda Fight Next

Trainer’s public callout places promoters under immediate pressure to deliver a Muratalla–Zepeda fight

Robert Garcia has publicly identified William Zepeda as the opponent he wants next for IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla, placing immediate pressure on both promoters to make the fight.

Garcia, who trains Muratalla, posted a message on X directed at Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, openly proposing the 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 decision win over Andy Cruz on January 24. Cruz entered unbeaten and widely respected after winning Olympic gold in 2020, but Muratalla’s aggression persuaded two judges to award him the decision. That result lifted Muratalla’s stock and moved him into a higher tier within the division.

Zepeda, who made his name through steady pressure and high punch volume, is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Shakur Stevenson last July in Queens. The setback did little to dent his standing, since his forward drive and body work pushed Stevenson into exchanges he rarely entertains.

Style Test Emerges

Zepeda went to the body early and kept digging, walking Stevenson back to the ropes for long stretches and making him take punches in volume. Replays in the third showed Stevenson brushing the canvas after a jab, though it was never scored a knockdown.

Garcia’s callout lines Muratalla up with a style that asks different questions. Muratalla works off timing and power. Zepeda drags opponents into a higher pace across twelve rounds. That look would force Muratalla to deal with sustained pressure in a way he has not faced on a regular basis.

Pressure Now on Promoters

The business side adds tension. Muratalla fights under Top Rank while Zepeda sits with Golden Boy, which means both sides would have to sit down and sort terms before the opening closes. Garcia’s public call leaves little doubt about where his camp stands and signals they are willing to press for the fight instead of waiting on softer options.

Zepeda also remains positioned near the top of the WBC rankings and could be directed toward separate title opportunities, which increases the importance of timing for any agreement. Garcia does not make public requests casually, and this one reads like a deliberate move to secure a fight that could quickly define Muratalla’s position in the division.