Andy Cruz will be challenging Raymond Muratalla for his IBF lightweight title in 37 days in Las Vegas. This is an IBF-ordered fight, as #1 Cruz is the mandatory for Muratalla’s title.
It’s Muratalla’s first defense of his IBF belt after being elevated last June. He’s got a nightmarish opponent in 2020 Olympic gold medalist Cruz.
Of all the fighters in the division. Muratalla has to defend against one of the most talented ones. Despite being the champion, Cruz is the betting favorite. The reason for that is the ability the Cuba-born Andy has shown during his two-year pro career. His skills, defensive ability, and reflexes set him apart from the others.
Interestingly, Andy hasn’t received as much attention from fans as other lightweights, like Shakur Stevenson and Lamont Roach. The reason for that is that he doesn’t speak English, has no presence on social media, and isn’t a big talker like those two.
Cruz has these advantages over Muratalla:
- Speed,
- Defensive
- Reflexes
- Experience – at amateur level
“I see Andy winning. I see Andy frustrating him and winning on points,” said Kim Amoussa to YSM Sports Media, predicting a win for Andy Cruz vs. Raymond Muratalla. “He’s going to make him miss and make him pay. That’s going to drain your energy along the way,” said Kim about Andy.
Cruz vs. Muratalla has gone under the radar with fans because neither fighter is a big talker. The promotion of the event by Matchroom and Top Rank hasn’t been as heavy as for a fight scheduled a week later. Cruz-Muratalla is a fight that hardcore boxing fans are aware of, but won’t receive as much attention.
“He’s [Muratalla] an aggressive fighter, and that’s a big part of Andy’s game. He can pressure you to make you make mistakes,” said Amoussa about Cruz. “I’m bigger than him, but he can pressure me when he wants to. He throws so many punches. like fast punches, and end with a hard punch.”
Muratalla-Cruz will be streamed live on DAZN on January 24, 2026. The event will be held at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. The undercard is still be chosen.