Shakur Stevenson accused of ducking unbeaten champion Raymond Muratalla fight

Shakur Stevenson has been accused of avoiding a bout with unbeaten IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla, with trainer Robert Garcia calling the Californian the clearest alternative if a proposed Devin Haney fight does not happen.

Garcia believes Muratalla would present a significantly bigger and stronger challenge than William Zepeda, who pushed Stevenson through 12 difficult rounds in July 2025. Stevenson still won that contest by unanimous decision, but the fight was widely viewed as one of the most demanding of his career.

The question of weight is central to the criticism. Stevenson moved up to 140 pounds this year and took the WBO super-lightweight title from Teofimo Lopez in January, winning by a near-whitewash. The 29-year-old has nevertheless remained open to competing either at super-lightweight or at 135 pounds.

Garcia’s view is that a Haney fight would remove any suggestion that Stevenson is avoiding Muratalla. If Haney is not available, however, he considers Muratalla the natural opponent because of the stylistic matchup and the champion’s physical advantages. Garcia said a demand for the bout to take place at lightweight would strengthen the impression that Stevenson was reluctant to face him.

Muratalla has continued to build his case at 135 pounds. Earlier this month, the unbeaten champion retained his IBF belt with a unanimous decision over Robson Conceicao. His record and title position make him a credible option for Stevenson, although Stevenson’s next contest is expected to come after his move to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing promotion.

Stevenson has signed a multi-fight agreement with Zuffa and is expected to make his debut for the company soon. Haney remains part of the possible route, but talk of that matchup is still loose, while Haney is currently pursuing a unification bout with Liam Paro.