Lightweight contender Andy Cruz (2-0, 1 KOs) will face Brayan Zamarippa (14-2 5 KOs) in a 10-round chief support bout this Saturday, February 24th, live on DAZN at the Caribe Royale Orlando, Orlando.
The 2020 Cuban Olympic gold medalist, Cruz, will defend his IBF International and WBA Continental Latin 135-lb titles on the Edgar Berlanga vs. Padraig McCrory card.
Destined for Greatness
What’s odd about Cruz being given an undercard assignment is he’s the one with the true talent, destined to become a world champion on this card. You can’t say that about the headliner fighters, Berlanga and McCrory. Those are just a couple of super middleweight contenders hoping to get a title shot against superstar Canelo Alvarez.
Cruz is ranked #12 WBA, #12 WBC, and #15 IBF. He would be ranked higher if he had more fights, but he’s starting. He looks ready to defeat any champions at lightweight if given the chance.
Roadblocks to Titles
At 28, Cruz will need to be moved quickly by his promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, because he can’t afford to be brought along slowly over a 5 to 8-year period like many prospects due to his age. He stayed in the amateur system a little too long in Cuba and will need to be rushed to get him to the top before he ages out.
Cruz must fight as often as possible to get pushed up the rankings fast, four to six times a year. Hearn needs to consider putting Cruz on some of his UK cards just to keep him busy. The problem is that the other promoters aren’t going to want to match their fighters against Cruz, knowing that the chances of them winning would be virtually zero.
With four shutout wins over Keyshawn Davis in the amateurs, Cruz is a true talent and fighter many view as a threat to champions Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson. Getting a title shot is the main problem. Top Rank won’t let Keyshawn anywhere near Cruz, knowing what could happen to him.
Cruz has changed his fighting style, fighting more like Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, since he teamed up with his dad, coach Derek ‘Bozy’ Ennis. He’s sitting down on his shots now and showing power and an offensive style entirely different from when he was fighting on the Cuban National team.