Albert Bell believes Andy Cruz’s team may be making a mistake by matching the Cuban standout against him so soon after Cruz suffered the first defeat of his professional career.
Bell will face Cruz on July 18 in Carson, California, in an IBF lightweight title eliminator. While Bell praised Cruz’s talent and amateur accomplishments, he questioned whether the former Olympic gold medalist is being rushed following his loss to Raymond Muratalla earlier this year.
“Being that he just took his first loss in January, but to be honest, I think it was a bad managerial decision,” Bell said to MillCity Boxing. “They moving him too fast.”
Andy Cruz entered the professional ranks after 149 amateur fights and winning an Olympic gold medal. Now 30, the Cuban has been moved quickly, but his amateur experience is one reason his team has pursued major fights early in his pro career.
“That’s good for the amateurs,” Bell said when asked about Cruz’s Olympic gold medal and amateur success. “If it’s a three-round fight, I’d be in trouble. But this 12-round grown man business.”
Bell said he intends to push the pace and force Cruz to prove himself over the distance.
“I’m definitely going to try to run him hot and see what type of motor you got in there,” said Bell. “We running on premium. Price is high right now. We running the motor. Check his engine.”
Despite his criticism of the matchmaking, Bell made it clear he expects Cruz to arrive fully prepared for the biggest fight of his professional career. He credited Cruz’s training environment and said he does not believe the Cuban has become distracted by life outside the ring.
The winner of the July 18 eliminator will move into position for a shot at IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla, giving Bell a chance to back up his words and hand Cruz a second consecutive defeat.
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Last Updated on 2026/06/23 at 2:20 PM
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