The fight gave Muratalla credibility for beating one of the best technicians in the lightweight division. It also showed how difficult life can become for him at the elite level. Cruz landed repeatedly during exchanges, forcing Muratalla into the type of grueling fight that can take something out of a lightweight over time.
Muratalla became the IBF champion after Vasiliy Lomachenko retired earlier this year. Lomachenko’s promotional deal with Top Rank officially expired this week, leaving the former three-division champion free to pursue outside fights if he decides to return.
Reports on Tuesday indicated that Lomachenko was considering a comeback at the age of 38 and would only return for a major fight.
One possibility an official mentioned was a fight against Muratalla, who would instantly become the biggest name on the champion’s record.
There had previously been talk of a fight between Muratalla and Shakur Stevenson, but nothing serious ever developed until Stevenson moved up to 140 pounds earlier this year.
The IBF rankings leave several possible directions for Muratalla’s return in August, including Albert Bell, Lucas Bahdi and Floyd Schofield Jr.
Meanwhile, Andy Cruz is reportedly being booked for another elimination bout, which creates the possibility that Muratalla will eventually have to deal with the Cuban again if both fighters continue to win.
The uncertainty surrounding Gervonta Davis has also left the lightweight division wide open. Davis has not fought since March 2025 and is reportedly targeting an early fall return while he deals with legal issues in Florida.
That inactivity has left fighters like Muratalla trying to seize control of the division while the biggest names remain tied up in uncertainty. August 8 may seem like a homecoming date on paper, but Muratalla still has work to do before fans fully accept him as the man who replaced Lomachenko rather than the fighter who simply inherited his belt.
