Cuban lightweight Andy Cruz will fight on July 18, keeping him on track for a mandatory IBF world title shot. Despite his original opponent being withdrawn, promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed Cruz is being lined up to challenge for the championship.
The unbeaten Olympic gold medalist was originally scheduled to face Albert Bell in a key eliminator. That plan changed when Bell was redirected into a WBO title fight against Abdullah Mason. Still, Cruz’s progression will not be stalled. He remains on the July 18 card against a new opponent, with the stakes just as high as his team maneuvers to secure the mandatory position in the IBF rankings.
Promoter Eddie Hearn laid out a clear, multi-step plan for Cruz to secure a world title. He believes the current IBF champion, Raymond Muratalla, will vacate the belt after his upcoming defense, creating an opening for the Cuban.
Hearn explained the sequence of events. “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,” said Hearn to the media today about Andy Cruz.
This strategy effectively provides Cruz with a fast track to a championship bout. First, he must win on July 18. Then, if Muratalla defeats Robson Conceicao on August 1 and moves up to light welterweight as predicted, the IBF lightweight title becomes vacant. This would position Cruz to face the next available contender, identified by Hearn as Artur Subkhankulov, for the world championship.
For Cruz, this path bypasses the typical lengthy process of climbing divisional rankings. The 29-year-old has already built a solid professional foundation since turning pro after a decorated amateur career. A victory next month is the essential next step to turn his promoter’s championship blueprint into a reality.
