Is Andy Cruz too early for IBF Lightweight King Raymond Muratalla? Cuba’s Star Bank for Amateur Experiences

Andy Cruise claims he is ready to challenge IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratara for his belt, following his fifth technical knockout last Saturday night.

(Credit: Geoffrey Knott/Matchroom)

Amateur Pedigree: The Benefits of Cruz

Some fans have questioned whether Cruz (6-0, 3 KOS) has enough experience to challenge the world title just two years in the pro. Cruz says his amateur career and Olympic experience are sufficient to make him face Muratara (23-0, 17 KOs).

Cruz promoter Eddie Hearn doesn’t know if he will challenge Muratara next, as fighters who were promoted to Top Rank before he defends can make voluntary defenses. It depends on the IBF and how quickly the fight happens, but it can take up to a year.

“I was clearly moved very quickly when it came to professional games. I had a very important amateur pedigree so I was able to really develop things,” Andycruz said. Post-war press conference Last Saturday night he was asked if he believed he was ready to challenge the IBF lightweight title in less than 10 fights as an expert.

With Cruz’s long amateur career and Olympic experience, it would have been pointless for him to slowly approach his professional career.

The Olympic Experience Fuels Cruises

“I fought at the Olympics, I fought at the World Championships level, so I feel like I’m completely ready for the next step and what’s coming,” Cruz said. “I always believe I can do a little more, so I won’t give myself that I was 10 tonight, I think I was probably eight,” Andy said when asked what grades Andy gave him. ”

Muratalla has been a professional for nine years and faces Tevin Farmer and Zaur Abdullaev. He looked good in both fights. The number of fights Muratara had as an amateur is unknown, but it’s safe to say it’s not close to the number Cruz had. He ended his amateur career with a 140-9 record.

“Every time you face it, it’s about a variety of challenges, but I’m ready for the challenges that come my way. I’ve come here to show you that I’m ready to take the next level. I think that’s what I did,” Cruz said.

It’s a shame Andy didn’t fight against a better opponent than Mishiro. Because he wasn’t a very test for him. There are many excellent candidates in the lightweight division, but their promoters don’t want to face fighters as talented as Cruz.

For example, it is unlikely that 21-year-old Abdullah Mason will be anywhere near Cruz, so he is not prepared for such a fighter, so perhaps he will never be.