Boxing Match Preview: Raymond Muratalla (23-0-0, 17 KOs) vs. Andy Cruz (6-0-0, 3 KOs)

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The Raymond Muratalla (23-0-0, 17 KOs) vs. Andy Cruz (6-0-0, 3 KOs) fight is a 12-round main event for the IBF World Lightweight Title (135 lb). Muratalla, the reigning champion, makes his first defense against Cruz, the decorated Cuban Olympic gold medalist making a rapid rise in his pro career. This high-profile clash headlines a Matchroom Boxing card in association with Top Rank, marking a significant step-up for Cruz against a proven world champion with elite experience.

Fight Details

Ringwalk for Muratalla vs. Cruz estimated around 11:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 a.m. GMT Sunday), depending on undercard progression.

Venue: Fontainebleau Las Vegas (BleauLive Theater), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

TV Broadcast: DAZN (live streaming worldwide).

How to Watch: Live on DAZN (subscription required); undercard/prelims stream earlier on DAZN or YouTube.

Fighter Records and Background

Raymond “Danger” Muratalla: 23-0-0 (17 KOs). Age: 29 (born September 25, 1996). Height: 5’8″ (173 cm). Reach: 72″ (183 cm). Stance: Orthodox. Nationality: American (Fontana, California). Turned pro in 2016 after a strong amateur career. Muratalla captured the vacant IBF lightweight title in 2025 and has defended it successfully. Known for explosive power (73.91% KO rate), high-volume punching, and durability in 12-round fights.

Andy “Diamante” Cruz: 6-0-0 (3 KOs). Age: 30 (born December 20, 1995). Height: 5’9″ (175 cm). Reach: N/A. Stance: Orthodox. Nationality: Cuban (fighting out of Miami, Florida). A two-time Olympic gold medalist (2016, 2020) and multi-time world amateur champion, Cruz turned pro in 2023. Known for elite amateur skills, speed, footwork, and precision; limited pro KOs reflect controlled style against lesser opposition.

Recent Form

Muratalla has been dominant as champion; Cruz has dominated in his brief pro career.

Raymond Muratalla Last 5 Fights:

May 10, 2025: W UD vs. Zaur Abdullaev (12 rounds) – Title defense with wide scores.

Nov 2, 2024: W UD vs. Jesus Antonio Perez Campos (12 rounds) – Controlled performance.

Earlier 2025/2024: Multiple title wins, including TKO stoppages and decisions vs. ranked foes (e.g., Jeremia Nakathila, Xolisani Ndongeni).

Muratalla is 5-0 in his last five (all wins, including title bouts), averaging 10+ rounds with strong defense.

Andy Cruz Last 5 Fights:

Jun 14, 2025: W TKO-5 vs. Hironori Mishiro (Madison Square Garden Theater) – Stoppage win.

Jan 25, 2025: W UD-10 vs. Omar Salcido Gamez (Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas) – Dominant decision.

Earlier pro bouts: All wins, mix of decisions and KOs vs. regional opposition.

Cruz is 6-0 (all wins), averaging 7.5 rounds, with three KOs showing developing power.

Injury Report

No reported injuries for either fighter as of January 20, 2026. Muratalla has a clean recent health record in title defenses. Cruz also appears fully fit with consistent activity. Both cleared pre-fight medicals; monitor weigh-ins for any late concerns.

Fighter Matchups

This 12-round lightweight title fight features Muratalla’s pro experience and power against Cruz’s elite amateur pedigree and speed. Muratalla’s height/reach parity (5’8″/72″) matches Cruz’s (5’9″), but Cruz’s footwork and amateur skills could neutralize pressure.

Striking: Muratalla (73% KO rate) uses volume and power combos. Cruz relies on precision and counters. Advantage: Muratalla in volume; Cruz in accuracy.

Pace/Cardio: Muratalla has gone 12 rounds multiple times; Cruz untested at elite level but amateur background suggests stamina. Muratalla’s experience favors late rounds.

X-Factor: Muratalla’s title defenses vs. Cruz’s rapid rise; venue in Las Vegas neutral, but Muratalla’s California base adds familiarity.

Muratalla ranked IBF champion; Cruz a top contender with amateur dominance.

Fight History

This is the first professional meeting between Muratalla and Cruz. No prior bouts or amateur encounters. Muratalla seeks first defense; Cruz gets fast-tracked title shot.

FIGHT ODDS

Raymond Muratalla        + 180

Andy Cruz                           – 240

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2025