The correction creates an interesting situation near the top of the division. The IBF’s No. 1 position is vacant, 34-year-old Russian Artur Subkhankulov (12-0, 6 KOs) occupies the No. 2 spot, and Cruz sits directly behind him.
Muratalla has discussed moving to light welterweight to pursue the champions at 140. If he relinquishes his IBF lightweight belt, Cruz would be one of the highest-ranked contenders available for a vacant title opportunity.
There is already history between Cruz and Subkhankulov.
They met as amateurs on May 24, 2019, in the semifinal of the Usti nad Labem Grand Prix, where Cruz earned a split-decision victory over three rounds.
Subkhankulov had an extensive amateur career before turning professional in 2021. His opposition included Keyshawn Davis, who defeated him on points in the quarterfinal of the 2018 Chemistry Cup.
As a professional, Subkhankulov has moved quickly through 12 bouts. He has gone 10 or more rounds in seven of his last eight fights, most recently stopping Bakhodur Usmonov in the 12th round in April.
Nothing guarantees the IBF will order Cruz against Subkhankulov if Muratalla vacates. The sanctioning body would determine how to fill the championship.
Still, Cruz’s return to No. 3 puts him in a strong position. The No. 1 spot is vacant, Muratalla is considering 140, and only Subkhankulov is ranked above Cruz among the IBF’s active lightweight contenders.
If the IBF eventually puts Cruz and Subkhankulov together, they would meet with far more at stake than when Cruz beat him seven years ago.
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