“A stoppage will be a huge statement, but honestly, I’m going to go in there and fight my fight and do what I can. I’m not going to go out there looking for the knockout either. I never have. Hopefully I perform well that night and get these big fights that I’ve been wanting,” said Muratalla to Top Rank Boxing.
The upcoming title defense serves as an immediate test of Muratalla’s durability. He hasn’t fought since his grueling January 24 majority decision win over Andy Cruz, a contest where he absorbed a tremendous amount of clean shots. With his face showing severe wear and tear after 12 rounds of relentless pressure, questions remain about what that punishing victory took out of him.
Conceicao boasts world-class experience, yet his record at 135 pounds is remarkably light for a championship challenger. Rather than earning his way through the lightweight rankings, his entire body of work in the division relies on wins over minor opposition in Helber Rojas and Yonnaiquer Rondon.
Top Rank’s matchmaking makes sense. Rather than matching Muratalla against a younger, higher-ranked contender with greater punching power after the punishment he absorbed against Cruz, the promotion opted for the 37-year-old Conceicao. Saturday’s fight should provide a good indication of how Muratalla has responded from the toughest night of his career.
“I’m expecting a good challenge from him. We know he has experience with a lot of good fighters. He brings a high pace, comes forward, and throws a lot,” said Muratalla. “He doesn’t give up, and he knows his way around the ring. We know it’s going to be a challenging fight, but as long as I’m prepared, I’m going to come out with the victory.”
Reflecting on recent training camps, the titleholder believes the work put in since his last outing has prepared him for this test.
“Overall, I’ve been improving everything that I worked on after my last fight. Footwork, speed, power, just improving in all those areas,” said Muratalla. They know my style very well, and they just tell me to be myself and continue to do what I do.”
Muratalla believes that approach will become increasingly effective as the fight moves into the later rounds.
“I see this fight playing out in my favor. I’m going to go out there and do what I do. I’ll take care of business and get the win. I see myself in the late rounds hurting him,” said Muratalla.
