Raymond Muratalla has vacated his IBF lightweight title to pursue the champions at light welterweight, surrendering a belt he strengthened through victories over Andy Cruz and Robson Conceição.
Chris Mannix reported the decision Thursday, confirming that the 29-year-old’s run at 135 pounds is finished. Muratalla became full champion following Vasiliy Lomachenko’s retirement, edged Cruz by 12-round majority decision in January, and retained the belt with a unanimous decision over Conceição in August.
Vacating eliminates the expense and limited commercial value of facing the IBF’s lightly known contenders.
