Eddie Hearn says the unbeaten Olympic gold medalist will still fight on July 18 and could soon become mandatory for the IBF lightweight title
Andy Cruz will remain on the July 18 card despite Albert Bell’s withdrawal, with promoter Eddie Hearn expecting the unbeaten Cuban to move into position for an IBF lightweight title shot. Hearn believes Cruz’s next victory could leave him one win away from fighting for a world championship.
Cruz had originally been scheduled to face Albert Bell before Bell was redirected into a WBO lightweight title fight against Abdullah Mason following Joe Cordina’s withdrawal. Although Hearn did not reveal Cruz’s replacement, he confirmed the Olympic gold medalist will still compete on the July 18 card.
Asked about Cruz’s immediate future, Hearn said:
“That leaves Andy probably mandatory for the world title. He will fight on July 18th, no doubt about that. After that, I think Muratalla will move to 140, and I think he’ll [Cruz] fight the Russian fighter [#2 IBF Artur Subkhankulov], I believe, the next in line for the world title after he fights in July,” said Hearn to the media today about Andy Cruz.
IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla is scheduled to make the first defense of his title against Robson Conceicao on August 1. Hearn believes the Mexican will then move up to light welterweight, potentially creating a clear path for Cruz to challenge for the vacant championship.
Cruz (6-1, 3 KOs) has quickly established himself as one of boxing’s top lightweight prospects since turning professional after winning Olympic gold for Cuba. The 29-year-old already owns victories over Omar Salcido, Antonio Moran, and Hironori Mishiro, and another win on July 18 would strengthen his case for a first world title opportunity.
Either way, an improved Cruz would present Muratalla with a difficult challenge. Cruz performed well enough in their first meeting to merit either a victory or, at worst, a draw.
