If he’s serious about dropping to 130, he’ll need to begin climbing the rankings in a new division. If the priority remains a rematch with Muratalla, staying at lightweight makes more sense. Trying to keep both options open may leave him waiting for opportunities that never arrive.
After his victory over Montoya, Cruz said he’s prepared for a new challenge.
“I like challenges, and tonight was just that. My last fight didn’t go my way, but I was able to demonstrate what I have this time,” said Cruz,
Cruz made it clear that Muratalla remains the opponent he wants most.
“Truthfully, the No. 1 thing on my list is to get the rematch against Muratalla,” said Cruz to The Ring.
“I can beat [WBO lightweight champion Abdullah] Mason. I can beat whoever isn’t Mason. I think Mason is a great fighter with a bright future. The only question is when the fight will happen.
“I think the fights on August 1 are going to be great as well. I see Muratalla coming out victorious. Zepeda and Roach will be an even more interesting fight, but I have to give Roach more of the edge.”
Cruz also discussed Lomachenko, saying the former three-division champion has long been someone he admired because of their accomplished amateur careers.
The challenge for Cruz isn’t identifying opponents. It’s creating a realistic path to those fights.
Champions at 130 and 135 have little incentive to volunteer for a technically gifted opponent who isn’t yet a major commercial draw. Unless Cruz earns another mandatory position through the rankings or a titleholder has no better alternatives, he may find himself waiting longer than expected despite possessing the talent to compete with anyone in either division.
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