Andy Cruz vs Muratalla IBF title fight set for January 2026

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed today that there will be “an announcement coming soon” for Andy Cruz to challenge IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla for late January 2026. He did not give an official date, but January 24 is mentioned.

Muratalla is expected to accept the fight

Hearn says he was told Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs) would take the fight. They are trying to decide where in the US to fight. Muratalla, 28, is from Southern California. So it makes sense that he defends in nearby Las Vegas, Nevada.

Shakur and Keyshawn both had clean sheets

2020 Olympic gold medalist Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs) is expected to be the favorite in the fight as he looks unbeatable at the moment. WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson has shown no interest in fighting Cruz despite being his #1 contender.

Keyshawn Davis chose to ignore Cruz as well before moving up to 140 for greener pastures. Cruz is one of those third-rail type fighters who will be avoided at all costs by top fighters who try to stay in their seats as long as possible, like Shakur.

“End of January. There will be an announcement soon. In America, of course. Just decide where we will stage that fight. At the end of January, Andy Cruz will fight for the world title,” said Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn. Carlos Linares on X when asked when Andy Cruz will challenge IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla.

Loma’s retirement opened the door

Cruz won the IBF mandatory spot last summer, knocking out Hironori Mishiro in the fifth round in a title eliminator on June 14, 2025. The top-ranked Muratalla was elevated from his IBF interim lightweight champion status to full belt holder on June 9, 2025. Lomachenko, retired on June 5, 2025.

“I believe so. We’re told, yes,” Hearn said when asked if Muratalla would take the fight to Cruz. “It’s a great fight. It’s a very tough fight for both men. It’s a great fight for Andy Cruz. The reaction has been very good for the fight. Everybody who knows boxing knows it’s a very good fight.”

Earlier this year, Muratalla won the vacant IBF interim lightweight title, beating Zaur Abdullaev by a 12-round unanimous decision on May 10, 2025.