Andy Cruz has formally petitioned the International Boxing Federation to restore his position in the lightweight rankings. The request coincides with confirmed plans for IBF world champion Raymond Muratalla to vacate his title and move up to super lightweight.
Carlos Linares reported that Cruz’s camp sent a formal letter to the sanctioning body seeking immediate reinstatement at 135 pounds. César Seda, representing the fighter, confirmed the action. Cruz held the number three spot at lightweight prior to his victory over Abraham Montoya on July 18. That high ranking kept the Cuban contender near the front of the championship queue despite losing a majority decision to Muratalla in their January title match.
Confusion arose after the Montoya victory when public statements suggested Cruz planned to drop down to super featherweight. Boxeo Mundial published comments attributed to Cruz warning potential opponents in that weight class: “Everyone at 130 pounds needs to be very careful with me, they already know. I’m ready for more challenges, it’s time to put on a show.”
Boxing reporter Jake Donovan questioned Seda’s account of events, noting that communications had clearly signalled a move to 130 pounds on the fighter’s behalf. Still, Seda maintains that no formal request was ever submitted to the sanctioning body to change Cruz’s designated weight category. Returning to 135 pounds gives the Cuban a much faster route back to a world title than starting over in a lighter division.
Champion Muratalla struggled significantly to make the 135-pound lightweight limit before his recent decision win over Robson Conceição. He is now making final preparations to enter the 140-pound light-welterweight class, which will leave the lightweight crown vacant.
If Muratalla relinquishes the belt as expected, the IBF faces a critical decision regarding where Cruz belongs in the updated ratings. The rankings published on August 4 place Artur Subkhankulov at number two and Dzmitry Asanau at number three, with the top spot remaining vacant and Alan Abel Chaves at number four.
Restoring Cruz to a top-three position keeps him in immediate position for a sanctioning body title fight. Dropping him farther down the rankings would force a prolonged path back, particularly for an Olympic champion whose technical skills give rival promoters little reason to risk their top contenders against him.
