Andy Cruz insists he is ready to challenge IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla for his belt next, following his fifth-round technical knockout of Hironori Mishiro last Saturday night.

(Credit: Geoffrey Knott/Matchroom)

Amateur Pedigree: Cruz’s Advantage

Some fans question whether Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs) has enough experience to challenge for a world title after just two years in the pros. Cruz says his amateur career and Olympic experience are enough for him to face Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs).

Cruz’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, isn’t sure whether he’ll challenge Muratalla next because the Top Rank-promoted fighter could take a voluntary defense before he defends against. It’ll be up to the IBF how soon the fight happens, but there’s a chance it could take up to a year.

“I’ve obviously been moved very quickly in terms of the professional game. I’ve had a very significant amateur pedigree, which has allowed me to really develop things,” said Andy Cruz during the post-fight press conference last Saturday night when asked if he believes he’s ready to challenge for the IBF lightweight title with less than 10 fights as a professional.

With Cruz’s long amateur career and Olympic experience, it would have been pointless for him to take the slow approach to his pro career, the way many fighters do who haven’t had a lot of amateur experience.

Olympic Experience Fuels Cruz

“I’ve fought in the Olympics. I’ve fought at the world championship level as well. So, I feel like I’m completely ready for my next step and whatever comes,” said Cruz. “I always believe I can do a little bit more in there. So, I wouldn’t give myself a 10 tonight. I’d probably say it was an eight,” said Andy when asked what grade he what grade he gave him.”

Muratalla has been a pro for nine years and has faced Tevin Farmer and Zaur Abdullaev. He looked good in both fights. It’s unknown how many fights Muratalla had as an amateur, but it’s safe to say that it’s nowhere near the number Cruz has had. He finished his amateur career with a 140-9 record.

“With each fight that you face, it’s about different challenges, but I’m ready for any challenges that come my way. I came here to show what I’m made of and show that I’m ready to move on to the next level. I think that’s what I did,” said Cruz.

It’s too bad Andy didn’t fight a better opponent than Mishiro because he wasn’t much of a test for him. There are many better contenders in the lightweight division, but their promoters wouldn’t be eager to allow them to face a fighter as talented as Cruz.

For example, it’s unlikely Top Rank would allow the 21-year-old Abdullah Mason anywhere near Cruz because he’s not ready for that kind of fighter, and maybe he never will be.