Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed today that this will happen “announcement coming soon” for Andy Cruz, who will challenge IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla in tardy January 2026. He did not provide an official date, but January 24 is mentioned.
Muratalla expected to accept the fight
Hearn claims he was told Muratalla (23-0, 17 KO) would take the fight. They are trying to decide where in the US to hold the fight. Muratalla is 28 years senior and from Southern California. Therefore, it makes sense for him to defend in nearby Las Vegas, Nevada.
Both Shakur and Keyshawn got past the threat
The favorite in this fight is expected to be 2020 Olympic gold medalist Cruz (6-0, 3 KO), who currently looks unbeatable. WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson has shown no interest in fighting Cruz, even though he is his No. 1 ranked contender.
Keyshawn Davis chose to ignore Cruz as well before moving up to 140 for greener pastures. Cruz is one of those third-rail fighters who will be avoided at all costs by top fighters trying to stay in their positions as long as possible, like Shakur.
“End of January. It will be announced soon. In America, of course. We are just deciding where we will take this fight. At the end of January, Andy Cruz will fight for the world title,” Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn told Carlos Linares on X when asked when Andy Cruz will face IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla.
Loma’s retirement opened the door
Cruz earned the IBF mandatory spot last summer with a fifth-round knockout of Hironori Mishiro in a title eliminator on June 14, 2025. Top-ranked promotion Muratalla was promoted from interim IBF lightweight champion status to full belt holder on June 9, 2025. This came after previous IBF 135-pound champion Vasily Lomachenko retired at 5 p.m. June, 2025.
“I believe so. We were told yes,” Hearn said when asked if Muratalla would take the fight to Cruz. “It’s a great fight. It’s a very tough fight for both men. It’s a large fight for Andy Cruz. The response has been really good. Anyone who knows boxing knows it’s a very good fight.”
Earlier this year, Muratalla won the vacant interim IBF lightweight title by defeating Zaur Abdullaev via 12-round unanimous decision on May 10, 2025.