Olympic Star Andy Cruz Targets IBF Necessary Standing On July 18 Card
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Andy Cruz stays heading in the right direction for an IBF light-weight title eliminator on July 18 regardless of dropping his authentic opponent, with promoter Eddie Hearn anticipating the unbeaten Cuban to maneuver into the necessary place for a world title shot.
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Cruz had initially been scheduled to face Albert Bell earlier than Bell was redirected right into a WBO light-weight title battle in opposition to Abdullah Mason following Joe Cordina’s withdrawal. Although Hearn didn’t reveal Cruz’s substitute, he confirmed the Olympic gold medalist will nonetheless compete on the July 18 card.
Asked about Cruz’s speedy future, Hearn stated:
“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,” stated Hearn to the media at present about Andy Cruz.
IBF light-weight champion Raymond Muratalla is scheduled to make the primary protection of his title in opposition to Robson Conceicao on August 1. Hearn believes the Mexican will then transfer as much as mild welterweight, probably creating a transparent path for Cruz to problem for the vacant title.
Cruz (6-1, 3 KOs) has shortly established himself as one among boxing’s prime light-weight prospects since turning skilled after successful Olympic gold for Cuba. The 29-year-old already owns victories over Omar Salcido, Antonio Moran, and Hironori Mishiro, and one other victory on July 18 would strengthen his case for a primary world title alternative.
Either means, an improved Cruz would current Muratalla with a tough problem. Cruz carried out effectively sufficient of their first assembly to advantage both a victory or, at worst, a draw.
Dan Ambrose is a boxing journalist at Boxing News 24, acknowledged for his direct evaluation and in depth protection of the worldwide battle panorama. His reporting focuses on main bouts, divisional developments, and the game’s most mentioned storylines.
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Boxing News 24 » News » Olympic star Andy Cruz targets IBF necessary standing on July 18 cardLast Updated on 2026/06/26 at 4:27 PM
