Muratalla Says Pressure Will Decide Andy Cruz Fight Late

Raymond Muratalla expects the center of the ring to tell the story once the feeling-out rounds burn off. He sees a fight that grows heavier, closer, and more demanding as it stretches, and he believes that is where the gap opens against Andy Cruz.

“All the hard work is done, I feel great and I’m ready for Saturday,” Muratalla said. “I want the big fights, I’m the champ and I’m defending champion on Saturday and I want to get past this and get the bigger fights going.”

The IBF lightweight champion expects the early rounds to ask questions, then expects the answers to come later.

Why Muratalla looks past the early rounds

Muratalla is clear about where he plans to lean. “He has experience but I think six fights, it’s too soon for him and I’m going to show that on Saturday. And still.”

The emphasis is on sustained pressure, not early damage. Muratalla talks about work rate, body contact, and the kind of physical exchanges that turn foot speed into foot placement. He believes the fight grows more physical as the rounds stack, and that the challenger has not shown he can keep the same balance and sharpness across twelve.

“So I think it’s gonna be too much for him and see me breaking him down in the later rounds,” Muratalla said. “There’s definitely a chance I can stop him. My power speaks for itself.”

What Cruz has already had to handle

Cruz has tasted a version of that test. Omar Salcido stayed on him for ten rounds last year, forcing Cruz to manage distance, clinch selection, and discipline under pressure. Cruz won clearly, yet the later rounds demanded attention.

Salcido later met Isaac Cruz, who stayed chest-to-chest and won wide. That comparison does not erase Andy Cruz’s edge, but it shows that steady pressure makes him work.

“I was born for these types of events,” Cruz said. “On Saturday I get the chance to show that.”

Experience versus control over twelve

Cruz respects the task. “With every camp that I go into, I’ve always been conscious of the fact that with each new fight becomes more difficult,” he said, calling this his Olympic final in the professional game.

Muratalla carries his own questions. The Tevin Farmer fight showed he can give away early rounds before finding rhythm. It also showed he can finish strong.

Saturday hinges on which pattern survives.

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Forecast

Cruz controls range early with timing and counters. Muratalla increases contact, targets the body, and narrows space after the midpoint. The late rounds favor the champion on pressure and volume, with a possible stoppage if Cruz’s legs slow.

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Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Start time: 5 pm local / 8 pm ET / 1 am UK
Streaming platform: Live on DAZN