A high-stakes lightweight championship clash is set for Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Fontainebleau Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada, where undefeated IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla (23–0, 17 KOs) makes the first defense of his title against fast-rising Cuban contender Andy Cruz (6–0, 3 KOs). Muratalla enters as a polished, disciplined technician with power, consistency, and a deep run of victories against seasoned opposition.
Cruz arrives with Olympic pedigree, elite amateur credentials, and rapid professional progression that has vaulted him into a world title opportunity in just his seventh fight. This boxing betting matchup pits Muratalla’s experience, timing, and steady pressure against Cruz’s speed, footwork, and high-level ring IQ. Fans should expect a tactical, high-skill encounter with Muratalla’s composed aggression and body work versus Cruz’s angles, rhythm, and precision counterpunching.
Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz Fight Preview
Raymond Muratalla, age 29, enters his first world title defense with a perfect 23–0 record and 17 knockouts. At 5’8” with an orthodox stance, the California-born champion blends sharp fundamentals, disciplined pressure, and a reliable body attack. His recent run includes a unanimous decision win over Zaur Abdullaev to claim the interim IBF title, a second-round TKO of Jesus Antonio Perez Campos, and victories over Tevin Farmer, Xolisani Ndongeni, Diego Torres Nunez, and Jeremia Nakathila.
Muratalla’s strength in this matchup lies in his experience, composure, and ability to maintain structure over long stretches. If he can close distance, work the body, and force Cruz into exchanges, he becomes a far more dangerous opponent than the odds suggest.
Muratalla’s challenge is handling Cruz’s speed and rhythm. He must avoid falling behind early, cut the ring effectively, and prevent Cruz from dictating pace with movement and angles. If he can make the fight physical and consistent, he brings the kind of pressure that tests Cruz in ways he has not yet experienced at the professional level.
Andy Cruz, age 30, enters with a 6–0 record and 3 knockouts, but his résumé extends far beyond the numbers. The 2020 Olympic gold medalist and one of Cuba’s most decorated amateurs, Cruz has transitioned quickly into the professional ranks. At 5’7” with an orthodox stance, he fights with elite footwork, sharp timing, and a high-volume, precision-based style.
His recent fifth-round TKO of Hironori Mishiro showcased his growing professional power, while wins over Omar Salcido, Antonio Moran, Brayan Zamarripa, Jovanni Straffon, and Juan Carlos Burgos highlight his rapid development.
Cruz’s biggest challenge is handling Muratalla’s physicality and sustained pressure over 12 rounds. To control the fight, he must maintain range, use angles to reset exchanges, and avoid being trapped along the ropes where Muratalla’s body work becomes most effective.
This matchup becomes a test of Cruz’s ability to blend amateur-level precision with professional-level durability and discipline.
Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz Predictions
Boxing betting odds list Cruz as a significant favorite at -230, reflecting both his elite pedigree and Muratalla’s status as a talented but less heralded champion. Expect Cruz to establish rhythm early, using footwork, feints, and sharp counters to keep Muratalla at range. Muratalla’s best path is to apply steady pressure, work the body, and force Cruz into exchanges where his physical strength and experience can narrow the gap.
If Cruz maintains control of distance and tempo, his accuracy and movement give him a clear edge. If Muratalla can disrupt that rhythm and turn the fight into a grind, he becomes far more competitive than the odds imply. The prediction leans toward Cruz by decision, with Muratalla showing resilience and discipline but struggling to consistently track Cruz’s movement and timing.
Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz Betting Tips
- Moneyline: Cruz enters as the -230 favorite, with Muratalla offering underdog value at +184 for bettors seeking a live, experienced champion at a price.
- Method of Victory: Cruz by decision is the most reliable angle given his style, movement, and Muratalla’s durability.
- Props: The fight going the distance is a popular play, with both fighters showing strong conditioning and defensive discipline.
- Rounds & Totals: With Cruz’s measured approach and Muratalla’s toughness, the over in rounds betting is likely to attract interest, though Cruz’s increasing professional power keeps the under in play for sharper bettors.
Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz Key Stats & Tale of the Tape
- Raymond Muratalla: 23–0 (17 KOs), age 28, height 5’8”, orthodox. Undefeated champion with disciplined pressure, strong fundamentals, and reliable body work.
- Andy Cruz: 6–0 (3 KOs), age 30, height 5’7”, orthodox. Olympic gold medalist with elite footwork, precision, and rapidly developing professional power.
- Records & Form: Muratalla defending his IBF lightweight title; Cruz riding a perfect start to his pro career.
- Physical Edge: Muratalla holds a slight height advantage; Cruz counters with speed, angles, and high-level ring IQ.
- Venue & Broadcast: Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada — DAZN worldwide.
The tale of the tape highlights a compelling contrast: an undefeated champion entering his prime versus an Olympic gold medalist rising rapidly through the ranks. Muratalla brings experience, structure, and pressure, but the edges tilt toward Cruz’s speed, movement, and ability to dictate the terms of the fight.
