Albert Bell believes Andy Cruz is being moved too fast into their July 18 IBF lightweight title eliminator. Bell questions the decision to take the high-stakes bout so soon after Cruz suffered his first professional loss to Raymond Muratalla in January.
The fight, set for Carson, California, will position the winner for a title shot. Bell, however, sees the quick turnaround as a strategic error for the highly-touted Cuban. “Being that he just took his first loss in January, but to be honest,I think it was a bad managerial decision,” Bell stated. He believes Cruz’s handlers are making a mistake. “They moving him too fast.”
Cruz, a 30-year-old Olympic gold medalist with an extensive amateur background, was fast-tracked in the professional ranks. But Bell dismisses the relevance of that pedigree in a 12-round fight. He sees a clear distinction between the two disciplines. “If it’s a three-round fight, I’d be in trouble. But this 12-round grown man business.” Bell’s strategy is built around exploiting this perceived weakness in professional conditioning and durability.
He plans to test Cruz’s stamina and resolve from the opening bell. “I’m definitely going to try to run him hot and see what type of motor you got in there,” Bell said, outlining his intent to push a relentless pace. He expanded on the metaphor, promising to expose any lack of professional endurance. “We running on premium. Price is high right now. We running the motor. Check his engine.”
Despite his criticism, Bell acknowledged that he expects Cruz to be fully prepared for the challenge. The stakes are significant for both men. The winner of the eliminator moves into a mandatory position to challenge IBF champion Raymond Muratalla. For Cruz, it is a chance at redemption and a potential rematch. For Bell, it is an opportunity to prove his theory correct and secure his own shot at the world title.
