Andy Cruz Vs Muratalla IBF Title Fight Targeted For Jan 2026

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed today that there will be “an announcement very soon” for Andy Cruz to challenge IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla for late January 2026. He didn’t give an official date, but January  24th is being mentioned.

Muratalla Expected to Accept the Fight

Hearn states that he’s been told Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs) will take the fight. They’re trying to decide where in the U.S to stage the fight. Muratalla, 28, is from Southern California. So, it makes sense for him to defend in nearby Las Vegas, Nevada.

Shakur & Keyshawn Both Steered Clear

The 2020 Olympic gold medalist Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs) is expected to be the favorite in the fight, as he’s looking unbeatable right now. WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson has shown no interest in fighting Cruz, despite him being his #1-ranked contender.

Keyshawn Davis chose to ignore Cruz as well before moving up to 140 for greener pastures. Cruz is one of those third-rail type fighters who will be avoided at all costs by top fighters trying to stay in their perches for as long as possible, like Shakur.

“End of January. There will be an announcement very soon. In America, obviously. Just deciding on where we’re going to stage that fight. At the end of January, Andy Cruz will fight for the world title,” said Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn to Carlos Linares on X when asked when Andy Cruz will challenge IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla.

Loma’s Retirement Opened the Door

Cruz captured the IBF mandatory spot last summer, knocking out Hironori Mishiro in the fifth round in a title eliminator on June 14, 2025. The Top Rank-promoted Muratalla was elevated from his IBF interim lightweight champion status to full beltholder on June 9, 2025. This came after the previous IBF 135-lb champion, Vasily Lomachenko, retired on June 5, 2025.

“I believe so. We’re being told, yes,” said Hearn when asked if Muratalla will take the fight with Cruz. “It’s a great fight. It’s a very tough fight for both men. It’s a huge fight for Andy Cruz. The response has been really good for the fight. Everyone who knows boxing knows it’s a very good fight.”

Earlier this year, Muratalla won the vacant IBF interim lightweight title, beating Zaur Abdullaev by a 12-round unanimous decision on May 10, 2025.