For Cruz, now 30 with a full amateur career behind him, the decision reflects urgency rather than comfort.
A rebuilding phase filled with safer opposition would remove him from the sanctioning body pipeline and waste valuable time during his competitive prime. Instead, he remains one win away from returning to the top of the division.
Bell enters undefeated through 28 professional fights and brings physical dimensions that Cruz must solve. At 6 feet tall, Bell has height for the division and knows how to use it. He stands tall and relies on his reach, but he lacks the amateur foundation, defensive instincts and punch selection that Cruz has developed over years of elite international competition.
The matchup technically favors Cruz, but only if he makes the adjustments he was unable to implement in his loss to Raymond Muratalla on January 24th.
That night exposed the central flaw in Cruz’s professional transition. He was constantly moving and giving away rounds that were there to be taken. When he stopped retreating and stood his ground, he achieved clear success. His counters landed cleanly, and his accuracy marked Muratalla’s face, blackening both eyes through the later rounds. The damage was visible, but Cruz never fully committed enough to take control of the fight.
His hesitation cost him more than his undefeated record. This has raised questions about his tactical confidence under pressure and whether his professional style has become too cautious.
Trainer Derek Ennis remains one of the sport’s most respected trainers, but the partnership did not produce the right tactical balance in Cruz’s biggest fight. Cruz fought with discipline but lacked the controlled aggression needed to enforce his superior technical ability. Whether this reflects a strategic miscalculation or a deeper disconnect between fighter and trainer remains uncertain.
Bell offers a different type of test. He’s older at 33 and doesn’t possess Muratalla’s combination of pressure and finishing ability, but his size and undefeated record make him a credible obstacle. Cruz cannot afford to repeat the same passive approach. His skill advantage only translates into victory if he uses it assertively rather than defensively.
The IBF eliminator gives Cruz a direct path back to contention, but it also removes excuses. He is no longer developed. He is being evaluated.
