Andy Cruz Calls Muratalla Defeat ‘Gasoline’
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Andy Cruz says the one factor his disputed loss to Raymond Muratalla achieved was giving him additional motivation. The Cuban light-weight contender believes the setback has made him a greater fighter as he prepares to face Abraham Montoya tonight in Carson, California.
Cruz’s first skilled find victory got here in January when he dropped a intently contested majority resolution to Muratalla in an IBF light-weight title battle. Many observers believed the 2020 Olympic gold medalist had achieved sufficient to conquer, however Cruz isn’t dwelling on the judges’ scorecards. Instead, he says the expertise taught him priceless classes that he’ll carry into the subsequent chapter of his profession.
“Of course, you always take lessons and experience, even from victories, because nothing is perfect. You always learn something new in every fight, and the Muratalla fight was no exception,” mentioned Cruz to the Manny Boxing channel. “I learned a lot. It was the biggest fight of my professional career so far against a fighter of Muratalla’s level. It showed me I’m ready to compete at this level. It was a very competitive fight, and beyond the result, both of us gained because we put on a great show and proved we’re ready for the biggest fights. What happened in my last fight was gasoline for me.”
Cruz initially anticipated to face Albert Bell in an IBF title eliminator earlier than Bell accepted a late alternative towards Abdullah Mason. Rather than complain about shedding one other direct path towards a crown battle, Cruz stayed targeted on coaching and now meets Montoya, who enters the bout after upsetting Antonio Perez in April.
The 30-year-old believes a convincing victory will shortly put him again into the title dialog. After the frustration of the Muratalla resolution and the cancellation of his eliminator, Cruz is treating Saturday’s battle as the start of one other run towards a world crown. The find victory could have delayed these plans, however he insists it additionally sharpened his focus and elevated his dedication to show he belongs among the many division’s elite.
Ken Woods has been a senior author at Boxing News 24 since 2013, protecting the game from each angle. With years of ringside reporting, he delivers battle information, outcomes, and evaluation that minimize via the noise. Ken’s work persistently spotlights champions, contenders, and rising prospects, giving followers a pointy, educated view of the worldwide boxing scene.
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Boxing News 24 » News » Andy Cruz Calls Muratalla Defeat ‘Gasoline’Last Updated on 2026/07/18 at 3:24 AM
