Andy Cruz vs. Albert Bell Talks Collapse, IBF Orders Purse Bid

4 weeks ago 15

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Andy Cruz and Albert Bell are officially heading to a purse bid after failing to reach an agreement for their IBF lightweight eliminator.

Boxing journalist Carlos Linares reported Friday that the IBF issued a letter on May 7 confirming negotiations had broken down, with a purse bid now scheduled for May 18.

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The winner will become the mandatory challenger for Raymond Muratalla, who retained the IBF lightweight title earlier this year with a victory over Cruz.

Despite negotiations collapsing, both sides are still believed to have an interest in making the fight before the purse bid, possibly for a July 18 Matchroom card on the U.S. West Coast.

Tim Compton is a boxing journalist and contributor to Boxing247.com who has covered the international fight landscape since 2019. He reports on major developments, champions, and rising prospects with a focus on accuracy, sourcing, and analytical clarity.

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