Andy Cruz is reportedly preparing to move to the super featherweight division (130 lbs) following his upcoming July 18 fight. The unbeaten Cuban will now face Abraham Montoya on short notice after Albert Bell withdrew from their scheduled IBF lightweight title eliminator. This strategic shift will see Cruz leave the lightweight division.
Veteran boxing insider Rick Glaser reported Cruz’s intention to campaign at 130 pounds after his next bout. This decision comes as the July 18 card undergoes a significant change. Initially, Cruz was set for an IBF lightweight title eliminator against Albert Bell, a critical contest designed to secure a mandatory position in the organization’s rankings. Bell’s unexpected withdrawal, however, has altered this trajectory. Instead, Cruz will now engage in what is termed a “stay-busy” fight against Abraham Montoya. Montoya, a 31-year-old Mexican veteran, brings a record of 24-7-1 with 14 KOs. He has shared the ring with several established contenders, offering experience. Still, he enters the bout as a heavy underdog, having accepted the assignment on short notice to ensure Cruz remains on the DAZN card.
The discussion surrounding a move to 130 pounds has been ongoing. Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn previously suggested that Cruz might be better suited for the super featherweight division. This assessment stems from observations that the Olympic gold medalist often concedes height and reach against many of the leading contenders in the 135-pound lightweight division. The July 18 contest is now widely anticipated to be his final appearance at 135 pounds.
The implications of this potential division change are significant for Cruz’s career. Should Glaser’s report be confirmed, Cruz will enter one of boxing’s most competitive divisions. His entry at 130 pounds offers a renewed opportunity to pursue a world title. This new campaign would begin after his lightweight title aspirations were notably put on hold by the cancellation of the Bell eliminator. The strategic shift acknowledges the physical demands of fighting larger opponents. It aims to leverage Cruz’s natural attributes more effectively within a weight class where he might hold a physical advantage. This move could accelerate his pursuit of a championship, redirecting his professional trajectory towards new challenges and potential accolades at super featherweight.
