IBF orders Andy Cruz to challenge for lightweight title

The lightweight division often attracts much interest, with Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson often dazzling.

The division has now taken another twist, with Eddie Hearn revealing to The Ring that the IBF has ordered Raymond Muratalla to defend his belt against mandatory challenger, Andy Cruz.

IBF orders Raymond Muratalla to defend lightweight title against Andy Cruz

Muratalla’s and Cruz’s teams were in negotiations to face each other on the stacked Ring VI card on November 22 in Saudi Arabia, live on DAZN.

Those talks failed to reach a conclusion, and Muratalla moved on, hoping to face Floyd Schofield, who will now face Joseph Diaz on November 8.

Speaking to The Ring, providing the latest development, Hearn said:

“The IBF ordered the fight (on Thursday).” 

“Muratalla turned down the fight in Saudi Arabia. We had a great financial opportunity to do the fight on the November 22 card but Muratalla couldn’t agree to a deal. Now we can have a purse bid and see what it goes for. I don’t care, because Andy Cruz is going to fight for a world title.

“It’s a massive opportunity against a great fighter in Muratalla. It’s a tremendous fight and we are looking to win that bid and hold that fight in January.”

Muratalla vs Cruz

Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs) won the IBF interim lightweight title earlier this year when he comfortably defeated Zaur Abdullaev by unanimous decision (119-109 x2, 118-110). The 28-year-old was then elevated to the full titleholder following the retirement of Vasiliy Lomachenko.

“Danger” punches in fast bunches, uses his feet well, and throws from a variety of angles. He also loves to counter, and when Cruz does miss the target, it’s vital he makes the Cuban pay.

Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs) is the No. 1-ranked challenger with the IBF. He has adapted impressively to the professional ranks after an illustrious amateur career.

Under the tutelage of Bozy Ennis, Cruz has racked up impressive wins against Antonio Moran, Omar Salcido, and, last time out, against Hironori Mishiro.

Against Mishiro, Cruz produced a career-best performance in the pro ranks, as he was almost punch-perfect, stopping the Japanese fighter in the fifth round. Cruz-Muratalla, should it be made, is an intriguing matchup of two unbeaten fighters. A win for either will move them on to potential unification fights and other big bouts.