News: IBF has scheduled a purse on Sunday for the previously ordered 135 eliminator for no. 1 between Albert Bell and Andy Cruz. It is scheduled for May 27 at 14:00 local time during the ratings meeting at the IBF’s annual convention in Ho Tram, Vietnam. #box #PurseBidHedz
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) May 18, 2026
The purse is scheduled for 2pm local time during the IBF’s annual convention in Ho Tram, Vietnam.
The winner of the fight would move into position as the mandatory challenger for the IBF lightweight title, giving Andy Cruz a direct path to a championship opportunity less than two years into his professional career.
Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs) has been moved aggressively since leaving the amateur ranks following his Olympic gold medal run for Cuba. The Matchroom-promoted lightweight already owns wins over veterans Antonio Moran and Omar Salcido despite just six professional fights.
Albert Bell (28-0, 9 KOs) brings much more professional experience into the knockout and has remained quietly undefeated while fighting mostly out of the spotlight. The Cleveland native has long been considered a difficult style matchup due to his defensive approach and southpaw stance.
The negotiations that reached the wallet stage indicate that neither party was willing to bend financially enough to complete a deal privately.
A win for Cruz would boost his standing in a crowded lightweight division that includes names like Shakur Stevenson, Gervonta Davis and Keyshawn Davis.
The IBF purse bid for Cruz-Bell is scheduled for May 27 in Vietnam.
If Cruz defeats Bell, he will move back into position for another fight against IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla if the titleholder stays at 135 pounds instead of moving up to 140.
