Albert Bell believes Andy Cruz’s team may be making a mistake by pitting the Cuban standout against him so soon after Cruz suffered the first loss of his professional career.
Bell will face Cruz in an IBF lightweight title eliminator on July 18 in Carson, California. While Bell praised Cruz’s talent and amateur achievements, he questioned whether the former Olympic gold medalist was being rushed after his loss to Raymond Muratalla earlier this year.
“Because he just suffered his first loss in January, but to be honest, I think it was a bad management decision,” Bell told MillCity Boxing. “They move him too fast.”
Andy Cruz entered the professional ranks after 149 amateur fights and won an Olympic gold medal. Now 30, the Cuban has been moved quickly, but his amateur experience is one of the reasons his team took on big fights early in his professional career.
“It’s good for the amateurs,” Bell said when asked about Cruz’s Olympic gold medal and amateur success. “If it’s a three-round fight, I’d be in trouble. But this 12-round grown man’s business.”
Bell said he intends to push the pace and force Cruz to prove himself over the distance.
“I’m definitely going to try to warm it up and see what type of car you have in there,” said Bell. “We’re working on premium. The price is high right now. We’re running the car. Check its engine.”
Despite his criticism of the matchups, Bell made it clear that he expects Cruz to be fully prepared for the biggest fight of his professional career. He credited Cruz’s training environment and said he doesn’t believe the Cuban has been distracted by life outside the ring.
The winner of the July 18 eliminator will move into position for a shot at IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla, giving Bell a chance to back up his words and hand Cruz a second straight loss.
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Last updated on 2026/06/23 at 14:20
