Andy Cruz Petitions IBF For Lightweight Ranking Restoration

Cruz held the No. 3 spot at lightweight before defeating Abraham Montoya on July 18. That placement kept him near the front of the line despite a majority decision loss to Muratalla in their January title fight.

The situation grew confusing following the Montoya victory. Cruz indicated publicly that he planned to compete at super featherweight, with Boxeo Mundial subsequently publishing comments attributed to him warning fighters in that weight class:

“Everyone at 130 pounds needs to be very careful with me, they already know. I’m ready for more challenges, it’s time to put on a show.”

Jake Donovan questioned Seda’s account, noting that someone was clearly communicating a move to 130 on the fighter’s behalf.

Returning to 135 provides Cruz a route to another title opportunity much sooner than starting over in a new weight class. Muratalla had already been struggling with the lightweight limit before his recent victory over Robson Conceição and is preparing to move to light welterweight.

Cruz’s former position is no longer available. In the IBF ratings released August 4, Artur Subkhankulov is No. 2, and Dzmitry Asanau has taken the No. 3 spot, while No. 1 remains vacant. Alan Abel Chaves is No. 4.

That leaves the IBF with a decision on where Cruz belongs if it grants his request. A position near the top would keep him within reach of the title if Muratalla vacates. Dropping Cruz farther down the rankings could mean a much longer route back, especially for a technically difficult opponent rival promoters may have little incentive to put in with their leading contenders.