Eddie Hearn says the IBF has ordered Raymond Muratalla to defend his lightweight title against mandatory Andy Cruz. Matchroom promoter Hearn states that it will go to purse bids, and he intends to win it to stage the Muratalla-Cruz fight in January 2026.
Cruz’s Avoided Reputation
The 2020 Olympic gold medalist Cruz has been one of the most avoided fighters in the lightweight division since turning pro in 2023. All the big names, like Shakur Stevenson, Gervonta Davis, and Keyshawn Davis, have ignored him.
Muratalla’s Missed Payday
“They ordered the fight yesterday. It’s now ordered. Andy Cruz vs. Raymond Muratalla will be next. Muratalla turned down a fight in Saudi,” said Eddie Hearn to Ring Magazine. “We had a great financial opportunity to do that fight on November 22nd. But Muratalla couldn’t agree to a deal.”
Top Rank missed out on getting Muratalla a title-milking fight before having to face Andy Cruz. They likely would have done so if their contract with ESPN hadn’t expired on July 26, 2025.
“We know Muratalla was potentially going to take a voluntary against Floyd Schofield, but Schofield has gone a different direction,” said Hearn.
That explains why Muratalla chose not to agree to the fight against Cruz on the November card. Schofield would have a more winnable fight for Raymond than going up against Cruz, and potentially getting outboxed in a one-sided fight.
It would be interesting to know if Muratalla regrets not accepting the deal to fight Andy Cruz on the November 22nd card, as it sounds like he would have received a substantial payday. It’s unclear whether he will receive the same money defending against Cruz in January 2026 without Turki Alalshikh being involved.
Muratalla’s brief reign as the IBF champion could end against the talented 2020 Olympic gold medalist Cruz. The Top Rank-promoted Raymond was elevated to full IBF lightweight champion on June 9, 2025. This came after the previous champion, Vasily Lomachenko, announced his retirement on June 5, 2025.
Hearn Targets January Clash
“Now, we’ve got purse bids. I don’t care. Cruz is going to fight for a world title,” said Hearn about Andy Cruz. “It’s a massive opportunity. Muratalla is a great fighter. That’s a tremendous fight. We’ll look to win that bid and hold that fight in January.”
It’s about time for Cruz to get a world title shot. The two-year pro Cruz is ranked #1 IBF, #1 WBC, #3 WBA, and #7 WBO.
Shakur Stevenson might be relieved to hear the news of the IBF ordering Cruz to face Muratalla. The WBC had Cruz breathing down his neck at #1, and he would have had to defend against him once he returned to the 135-lb division at some point after his excursion at 140.
Written by Ken Woods, Ringside Boxing Analyst covering world title fights since 2018.
Last Updated on 10/03/2025
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