Israil Madrimov set to return after surgeries, losses to Terence Crawford and Vergil Ortiz
Israil Madrimov is ready for his return following a series of injuries and back-to-back losses.
Madrimov, a former 154-pound titleholder, will take on Luis David Salazar on January 24 in a 10-round junior middleweight matchup, Matchroom Boxing announced Tuesday.
The bout will take place on the undercard of the Raymond Muratalla-Andy Cruz fight at Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, streamed exclusively on DAZN.
Madrimov (10-2-1, 7 KOs) underwent left knee and left shoulder surgery following his unanimous decision defeat against Vergil Ortiz in February.
The loss was the second in a row for the 30-year-old Uzbek, who dropped his WBA 154-pound title to Terence Crawford in a competitive unanimous decision loss in August 2024. Madrimov won the belt in March of last year when he knocked out Magomed Kurbanov.
Salazar (20-1, 7 KOs), a 32-year-old from Puerto Rico, has only fought one time outside of the island and it resulted in his only loss, courtesy of an eighth-round knockout against Kevin Johnson.
Matchroom also announced the bout between light heavyweights Khalil Coe (10-1-1, 8 KOs) and Jesse Hart (31-3, 25 KOs), a fight that The Ring’s Keith Idec first reported last week.
Also set to be featured on the card is 2024 United States Olympian Omari Jones (4-0, 4 KOs) taking on fellow-unbeaten Jerome Baxter (7-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round 154-pound bout.
Prospects Zaquin Moses (5-0, 3 KOs), Harley Mederos (9-0, 8 KOs), Kaipo Gallegos (10-0-1, 8 KOs) and Ronny Alvarez (5-0, 4 KOs) will also be featured on the card in separate fights.
Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
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Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
Am I the only one who thought Madrimov beat Bud?
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Sendo Takeshi
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Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
I don't think he beat him, but because both fighters had such low output, he was only a couple of punches away from victory in my opinion.
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Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
Cruz Questions Muratalla’s Willingness For IBF Mandatory
“The experience that I have. I think that plays a huge role,” Muratalla said in an interview with Matchroom Boxing. “My mindset once I enter the ring. It just clicks for me and connects.”
Asked directly whether he believed Muratalla wanted the fight, Cruz was blunt.
“From the outset, I didn’t,” Cruz said. “They know what they want for his career. But I came to take it all.”
Cruz’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has said Muratalla had an opportunity to face Cruz last year but that negotiations stalled over money. Muratalla then explored a voluntary defense before the IBF stepped in and ordered the mandatory, removing that option.
Muratalla disputes the suggestion that he turned anything down.
“I’ve been wanting to get these fights,” Muratalla said. “I wanted to get this belt just so I could make fights like this happen. I’m definitely heading for this fight, and bigger fights after this.”
Cruz, however, maintains that the earlier talks never progressed.
“Because I signed the contract to make the fight, and we didn’t get an answer from the other side,” he said.
Muratalla’s response has been simple.
“I never received a contract,” he said. “I never received one until now.”
“The experience that I have. I think that plays a huge role,” Muratalla said in an interview with Matchroom Boxing. “My mindset once I enter the ring. It just clicks for me and connects.”
Asked directly whether he believed Muratalla wanted the fight, Cruz was blunt.
“From the outset, I didn’t,” Cruz said. “They know what they want for his career. But I came to take it all.”
Cruz’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has said Muratalla had an opportunity to face Cruz last year but that negotiations stalled over money. Muratalla then explored a voluntary defense before the IBF stepped in and ordered the mandatory, removing that option.
Muratalla disputes the suggestion that he turned anything down.
“I’ve been wanting to get these fights,” Muratalla said. “I wanted to get this belt just so I could make fights like this happen. I’m definitely heading for this fight, and bigger fights after this.”
Cruz, however, maintains that the earlier talks never progressed.
“Because I signed the contract to make the fight, and we didn’t get an answer from the other side,” he said.
Muratalla’s response has been simple.
“I never received a contract,” he said. “I never received one until now.”
Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
Raymond is a good talent with some padding in the record, Cruz started out throtting, it makes sense.Sendo Takeshi wrote: ↑23 Dec 2025, 10:03Yeah, sounds crazy on paper (23-0 vs 6-0), but Cruz is that good.
I'd be surprised if he loses this.
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Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
Raymond Muratalla maintains he’s ‘class of lightweight division’ ahead of Andy Cruz clash
If you ask Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn, the matchup between IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla and Andy Cruz might as well be decided by a coin flip.
Despite the uncertain odds, Hearn is bullish about the bout, scoring the winning bid of $888,888 on behalf of Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs), the mandatory challenger, to challenge Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs).
The fight is set to take place on January 24 at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.
“Listen, it ain't an easy fight for Andy Cruz,” Hearn told The Ring. “Muratalla is an excellent fighter. That is a very, very tough fight. It's a 50-50 fight. But we're looking forward to that fight. We are coming out in 2026 red hot, and this is a fight that I wanted to bring very early for DAZN.”
Murtalla, a 28-year-old from Southern California, scored the IBF interim title in May when he beat Zaur Abdullaev via unanimous decision. Murtalla was elevated as the full champion after Vasiliy Lomachenko retired.
"I’m excited to make my first title defense against a worthy contender in Andy Cruz,” said Muratalla. “I know the fans are excited for this fight, and I’m coming to Las Vegas to prove I’m the class of the lightweight division … This is what boxing needs – more great fights – and I’m happy to be a part of it."
Cruz, a 30-year-old two-time Olympic gold medalist for Cuba, emerged as Muratalla’s mandatory challenger after he stopped Hironori Mishiro inside five rounds in June.
“This is the moment I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid,” said Cruz. “Raymond Muratalla is a great fighter, but I believe I’m on another level. I’ve sacrificed everything to get here, and that’s why I came to the United States to make history in the best boxing in the world. On fight night, the world will see the real Andy Cruz, and why I’m ready to become a world champion.”
If you ask Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn, the matchup between IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla and Andy Cruz might as well be decided by a coin flip.
Despite the uncertain odds, Hearn is bullish about the bout, scoring the winning bid of $888,888 on behalf of Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs), the mandatory challenger, to challenge Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs).
The fight is set to take place on January 24 at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.
“Listen, it ain't an easy fight for Andy Cruz,” Hearn told The Ring. “Muratalla is an excellent fighter. That is a very, very tough fight. It's a 50-50 fight. But we're looking forward to that fight. We are coming out in 2026 red hot, and this is a fight that I wanted to bring very early for DAZN.”
Murtalla, a 28-year-old from Southern California, scored the IBF interim title in May when he beat Zaur Abdullaev via unanimous decision. Murtalla was elevated as the full champion after Vasiliy Lomachenko retired.
"I’m excited to make my first title defense against a worthy contender in Andy Cruz,” said Muratalla. “I know the fans are excited for this fight, and I’m coming to Las Vegas to prove I’m the class of the lightweight division … This is what boxing needs – more great fights – and I’m happy to be a part of it."
Cruz, a 30-year-old two-time Olympic gold medalist for Cuba, emerged as Muratalla’s mandatory challenger after he stopped Hironori Mishiro inside five rounds in June.
“This is the moment I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid,” said Cruz. “Raymond Muratalla is a great fighter, but I believe I’m on another level. I’ve sacrificed everything to get here, and that’s why I came to the United States to make history in the best boxing in the world. On fight night, the world will see the real Andy Cruz, and why I’m ready to become a world champion.”
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Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
Raymond Muratalla ready to come of age, says Robert Garcia
Raymond Muratalla will realize his potential when he fights Andy Cruz, his trainer Robert Garcia asserts.
Muratalla makes his first defense of his IBF lightweight title on January 24 against the unbeaten Cruz at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.
Garcia has previously spoken of Muratalla emulating Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, who he also trains. Muratalla, 23-0 (17 KOs), despite being with a major promoter in Top Rank, and at one of the most well-known gyms, the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, has flown under the radar. He fought once in 2025, when defeating Zaur Abdullaev to win the belt in May.
“This is where he is going to show his abilities,” Garcia told BS. “He has a difficult task in front of him, an Olympic gold medalist, a very talented fighter, but he is going to show what he is all about.”
What is it about 28-year-old Muratalla that stands out to Garcia?
“Everyone that spars with him always has a hard time,” Garcia explained. “The 147lbers; 154lbers; they can’t hang in there with him. It is unbelievable the way he works.”
Muratalla, from Fontana, California and known for his ability to cut angles on the inside, showed his versatility against Abduallaev. He also showed a different dimension when he knocked out Jeremia Nakathila in two rounds in 2023, and battled back from an early deficit to defeat the former titlist Tevin Farmer in 2024.
“He fights great on the inside, but he also fights great on the outside,” Garcia said. “When he won his title in his last fight, he fought smart on the outside, controlled the fight, and pretty much won every round.”
Cruz, 6-0 (3 KOs), is a high-profile Cuban amateur. He won the 2020 lightweight Olympic gold medal, when some viewed him as the best amateur boxer in the world. He went unbeaten against US juggernaut Keyshawn Davis. Cruz, 30 years, challenges Muratalla having defeated Hironori Mishiro in an IBF title eliminator. He has already recorded victories over Antonio Moran and Omar Salcido, and even turned professional against Juan Carlos Burgos. Muratalla will face one of the most admired lightweights in his first title defense, and Garcia is eager for his fighter to show his talent.
“I can’t say it will be an easy fight,” Garcia said. “But, it will be a great fight for the fans not to miss.”
Raymond Muratalla will realize his potential when he fights Andy Cruz, his trainer Robert Garcia asserts.
Muratalla makes his first defense of his IBF lightweight title on January 24 against the unbeaten Cruz at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.
Garcia has previously spoken of Muratalla emulating Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, who he also trains. Muratalla, 23-0 (17 KOs), despite being with a major promoter in Top Rank, and at one of the most well-known gyms, the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, has flown under the radar. He fought once in 2025, when defeating Zaur Abdullaev to win the belt in May.
“This is where he is going to show his abilities,” Garcia told BS. “He has a difficult task in front of him, an Olympic gold medalist, a very talented fighter, but he is going to show what he is all about.”
What is it about 28-year-old Muratalla that stands out to Garcia?
“Everyone that spars with him always has a hard time,” Garcia explained. “The 147lbers; 154lbers; they can’t hang in there with him. It is unbelievable the way he works.”
Muratalla, from Fontana, California and known for his ability to cut angles on the inside, showed his versatility against Abduallaev. He also showed a different dimension when he knocked out Jeremia Nakathila in two rounds in 2023, and battled back from an early deficit to defeat the former titlist Tevin Farmer in 2024.
“He fights great on the inside, but he also fights great on the outside,” Garcia said. “When he won his title in his last fight, he fought smart on the outside, controlled the fight, and pretty much won every round.”
Cruz, 6-0 (3 KOs), is a high-profile Cuban amateur. He won the 2020 lightweight Olympic gold medal, when some viewed him as the best amateur boxer in the world. He went unbeaten against US juggernaut Keyshawn Davis. Cruz, 30 years, challenges Muratalla having defeated Hironori Mishiro in an IBF title eliminator. He has already recorded victories over Antonio Moran and Omar Salcido, and even turned professional against Juan Carlos Burgos. Muratalla will face one of the most admired lightweights in his first title defense, and Garcia is eager for his fighter to show his talent.
“I can’t say it will be an easy fight,” Garcia said. “But, it will be a great fight for the fans not to miss.”
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Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
Omari Jones is going the distance to prepare for his latest bout
Omari Jones drove seven hours round-trip to find quality sparring work for his most recent training camp. He will know soon if it was worth it.
Jones will face Jerome Baxter in a six-round welterweight bout this coming Saturday at The Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.
Jones, 4-0 (4 KOs), might be best known for being the only member of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Boxing team to medal. (He won bronze.) In March, he turned professional with Matchroom Boxing, and in recent weeks the 23-year-old fighter from Orlando, Florida, would hit the road with some regularity to make the most of his latest opportunity.
“It was my way of testing myself,” Jones said. “I drove three hours to Miami with my dad and my coach. We pretty much travel to get rounds because we don’t get work in Orlando.”
It wasn’t a vacation. Jones sparred WBA junior middleweight titleholder Abass Baraou (who is scheduled to fight WBO junior middleweight titleholder Xander Zayas on January 31), then aim to be back at his own gym a day later.
“We’d turn right back around,” Jones said. “We’d do our whole workout there in Miami.”
Jones has gone only nine rounds as a pro. So far, no opponent has made it past the third round with him. He doesn’t think about his early knockout streak or going into the later rounds. In November, Jones needed just three rounds to knock out Yusuph Metu, who had never been stopped in his career.
“If it goes the distance, the rounds don’t scare me,” Jones said. “I am always taking the opportunity to end the fight early.”
Baxter, a 31-year-old from Pittsburgh, most recently fought in September, winning a six-round unanimous decision over Nelson Morales. At 7-0 (3 KOs), Baxter has exuded confidence in the lead-up to Saturday’s fight. Jones even alluded to some pre-fight chatter on social media between the two sides.
“I want to take an undefeated fighter's record and show them that there are levels to boxing,” Jones said. “I am on a different level, and I am ready to show that.”
Jones believes his standout amateur career and sparring sessions with a current titleholder suggest what the future holds for him.
“This will be my last six-rounder, then I am moving on to eight-rounders,” Jones said. “Each time out, we are stepping up the fights, and my team believes in me and my talent. Matchroom does as well.”
Omari Jones drove seven hours round-trip to find quality sparring work for his most recent training camp. He will know soon if it was worth it.
Jones will face Jerome Baxter in a six-round welterweight bout this coming Saturday at The Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.
Jones, 4-0 (4 KOs), might be best known for being the only member of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Boxing team to medal. (He won bronze.) In March, he turned professional with Matchroom Boxing, and in recent weeks the 23-year-old fighter from Orlando, Florida, would hit the road with some regularity to make the most of his latest opportunity.
“It was my way of testing myself,” Jones said. “I drove three hours to Miami with my dad and my coach. We pretty much travel to get rounds because we don’t get work in Orlando.”
It wasn’t a vacation. Jones sparred WBA junior middleweight titleholder Abass Baraou (who is scheduled to fight WBO junior middleweight titleholder Xander Zayas on January 31), then aim to be back at his own gym a day later.
“We’d turn right back around,” Jones said. “We’d do our whole workout there in Miami.”
Jones has gone only nine rounds as a pro. So far, no opponent has made it past the third round with him. He doesn’t think about his early knockout streak or going into the later rounds. In November, Jones needed just three rounds to knock out Yusuph Metu, who had never been stopped in his career.
“If it goes the distance, the rounds don’t scare me,” Jones said. “I am always taking the opportunity to end the fight early.”
Baxter, a 31-year-old from Pittsburgh, most recently fought in September, winning a six-round unanimous decision over Nelson Morales. At 7-0 (3 KOs), Baxter has exuded confidence in the lead-up to Saturday’s fight. Jones even alluded to some pre-fight chatter on social media between the two sides.
“I want to take an undefeated fighter's record and show them that there are levels to boxing,” Jones said. “I am on a different level, and I am ready to show that.”
Jones believes his standout amateur career and sparring sessions with a current titleholder suggest what the future holds for him.
“This will be my last six-rounder, then I am moving on to eight-rounders,” Jones said. “Each time out, we are stepping up the fights, and my team believes in me and my talent. Matchroom does as well.”
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
Andy Cruz has Impressed stablemate Jaron Ennis Since Day One
If you took a look at Andy Cruz’s resume, you might find it confusing that he’s competing for a world title in his next fight.
The 30-year-old Cuban has only six pro bouts under his belt and hasn't fought anyone of note. However, he had the kind of amateur career that leads to early opportunities, with a reported 140 wins (against single-digit defeats) and a gold medal in the 2020 Olympics.
Cruz is trained by Derek “Bozy” Ennis, whose son, Jaron Ennis, is one of the best in the business. The younger Ennis told Matchroom Boxing that he was taken aback the first time he saw Cruz up close.
“The first time I saw him in here sparring, I’m like, 'He’s going to be a nasty pro, a nasty world champion,'” Ennis said.
Cruz will first have to get through IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla on January 24 at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas (on DAZN) to fulfill Ennis' prophecy.
Muratalla will be defending his strap for the first time since he was elevated from interim to full-fledged champion last June.
Cruz is coming off a dominating victory over Hironori Mishiro in June, stopping him in five rounds. He's favored to beat Muratalla in spite of his lack of professional experience, which Jaron Ennis doesn't believe will be a factor.
“Andy's been ready for a title shot,” Ennis said. “He's got a lot of amateur experience, and he knows how to carry himself. Everything he did in the amateurs carried over to the pros.
"He can achieve whatever he wants to achieve in the sport. It’s his mind, his IQ. He got a great mind, a great IQ.”
If you took a look at Andy Cruz’s resume, you might find it confusing that he’s competing for a world title in his next fight.
The 30-year-old Cuban has only six pro bouts under his belt and hasn't fought anyone of note. However, he had the kind of amateur career that leads to early opportunities, with a reported 140 wins (against single-digit defeats) and a gold medal in the 2020 Olympics.
Cruz is trained by Derek “Bozy” Ennis, whose son, Jaron Ennis, is one of the best in the business. The younger Ennis told Matchroom Boxing that he was taken aback the first time he saw Cruz up close.
“The first time I saw him in here sparring, I’m like, 'He’s going to be a nasty pro, a nasty world champion,'” Ennis said.
Cruz will first have to get through IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla on January 24 at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas (on DAZN) to fulfill Ennis' prophecy.
Muratalla will be defending his strap for the first time since he was elevated from interim to full-fledged champion last June.
Cruz is coming off a dominating victory over Hironori Mishiro in June, stopping him in five rounds. He's favored to beat Muratalla in spite of his lack of professional experience, which Jaron Ennis doesn't believe will be a factor.
“Andy's been ready for a title shot,” Ennis said. “He's got a lot of amateur experience, and he knows how to carry himself. Everything he did in the amateurs carried over to the pros.
"He can achieve whatever he wants to achieve in the sport. It’s his mind, his IQ. He got a great mind, a great IQ.”
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
RAYMOND MURATALLA: IT'S 'TOO SOON' FOR ANDY CRUZ'S 'HUGE STEP UP' IN TITLE FIGHT
Raymond Muratalla doesn't doubt Andy Cruz's capabilities.
The unbeaten IBF lightweight champion considers Cruz a credible contender who will present plenty of challenges in their 12-round, 135-pound championship match. Muratalla even believes that the 2021 Olympic gold medalist will win a world title someday.
Based on how a patient Muratalla methodically developed from a prospect into a contender and eventually became a titleholder, however, he doesn't think Cruz is ready for the type of resistance the confident Cuban will encounter Saturday night at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Cruz became the mandatory challenger for Muratalla's championship by winning just his sixth professional fight seven months ago. Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs), of Fontana, California, has almost four times as much pro experience as the fast-tracked Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs).
Cruz is still the betting favorite, 2-1 according to DraftKings, yet Muratalla is certain Cruz hasn't faced anyone as strong or talented as him since Cruz turned pro 2½ years ago.
"I think it's a huge step up for him," Muratalla told The Ring.
"I think for him, it’s gonna be a problem. I think it's too soon for him, just to deal with the type of pressure I put on the mind. So, I think it's gonna be too much for him and see me breaking him down in the later rounds. There's definitely a chance I can stop him. My power speaks for itself, so I think with the right shot, I could definitely stop him."
Cruz beat Keyshawn Davis by split decision in the lightweight final at the Tokyo Summer Olympics in August 2021. Muratalla is unquestionably the most imposing opponent he'll have fought since then.
The 30-year-old Cruz stopped Japan's Hironori Mishiro (17-2-1, 6 KOs) in the fifth round of their IBF elimination match June 14 in New York to earn his shot at Muratalla's title.
"I think it's gonna be a good fight," Muratalla said. "I think he's good. He's a good boxer, knows how to move around the ring. I just don't think he's ever faced an opponent like me, with my mindset, my type of drive, just going out there and winning. So I think it’s gonna be a good fight, but I'm definitely gonna get that win."
Muratalla's 12-round, unanimous points victory over Russia's Zaur Abdullaev (21-2, 13 KOs) earned him the IBF interim lightweight crown May 10 in San Diego. The IBF removed the interim tag from Muratalla's title when former champ Vasiliy Lomachenko informed the New Jersey-based sanctioning organization that he decided to retire.
As much as Cruz craves adding a world title to his resume, a motivated Muratalla also seeks a signature win that’ll enhance the 29-year-old champion's standing within his division.
"I think just the name he has and the Olympic background he has, it'll be good to add on my resume," Muratalla said. "It'll definitely allow me to get better fights in the future, and that's what I’m hoping for."
DAZN’s coverage of the card headlined by Muratalla-Cruz is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). Khalil Coe (10-1-1, 8 KOs), a light heavyweight from Jersey City, New Jersey, will face Philadelphia's Jesse Hart (31-3, 25 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature.
Raymond Muratalla doesn't doubt Andy Cruz's capabilities.
The unbeaten IBF lightweight champion considers Cruz a credible contender who will present plenty of challenges in their 12-round, 135-pound championship match. Muratalla even believes that the 2021 Olympic gold medalist will win a world title someday.
Based on how a patient Muratalla methodically developed from a prospect into a contender and eventually became a titleholder, however, he doesn't think Cruz is ready for the type of resistance the confident Cuban will encounter Saturday night at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Cruz became the mandatory challenger for Muratalla's championship by winning just his sixth professional fight seven months ago. Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs), of Fontana, California, has almost four times as much pro experience as the fast-tracked Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs).
Cruz is still the betting favorite, 2-1 according to DraftKings, yet Muratalla is certain Cruz hasn't faced anyone as strong or talented as him since Cruz turned pro 2½ years ago.
"I think it's a huge step up for him," Muratalla told The Ring.
"I think for him, it’s gonna be a problem. I think it's too soon for him, just to deal with the type of pressure I put on the mind. So, I think it's gonna be too much for him and see me breaking him down in the later rounds. There's definitely a chance I can stop him. My power speaks for itself, so I think with the right shot, I could definitely stop him."
Cruz beat Keyshawn Davis by split decision in the lightweight final at the Tokyo Summer Olympics in August 2021. Muratalla is unquestionably the most imposing opponent he'll have fought since then.
The 30-year-old Cruz stopped Japan's Hironori Mishiro (17-2-1, 6 KOs) in the fifth round of their IBF elimination match June 14 in New York to earn his shot at Muratalla's title.
"I think it's gonna be a good fight," Muratalla said. "I think he's good. He's a good boxer, knows how to move around the ring. I just don't think he's ever faced an opponent like me, with my mindset, my type of drive, just going out there and winning. So I think it’s gonna be a good fight, but I'm definitely gonna get that win."
Muratalla's 12-round, unanimous points victory over Russia's Zaur Abdullaev (21-2, 13 KOs) earned him the IBF interim lightweight crown May 10 in San Diego. The IBF removed the interim tag from Muratalla's title when former champ Vasiliy Lomachenko informed the New Jersey-based sanctioning organization that he decided to retire.
As much as Cruz craves adding a world title to his resume, a motivated Muratalla also seeks a signature win that’ll enhance the 29-year-old champion's standing within his division.
"I think just the name he has and the Olympic background he has, it'll be good to add on my resume," Muratalla said. "It'll definitely allow me to get better fights in the future, and that's what I’m hoping for."
DAZN’s coverage of the card headlined by Muratalla-Cruz is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). Khalil Coe (10-1-1, 8 KOs), a light heavyweight from Jersey City, New Jersey, will face Philadelphia's Jesse Hart (31-3, 25 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature.
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
Harvey Dock is the referee
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handsofstone
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Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
Rate both but think Cruz will take a close one, he's great when in the groove
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Sendo Takeshi
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Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
Cruz welcoming his son back. What a great father.
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
Raymond Muratalla (IBF lightweight champion) and challenger Andy Cruz both made weight ahead of their title fight — Muratalla 134.6 lbs, Cruz 134.4 lbs — and the fight is on for Saturday at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.
In the co-main, light-heavy Khalil Coe missed weight badly (weighed 182.8 lbs, 6.8 lbs over the contracted limit). He agreed to pay Jesse Hart $30,000 (30% of his purse) so the fight can go forward; Hart weighed 174.6 lbs.
In the co-main, light-heavy Khalil Coe missed weight badly (weighed 182.8 lbs, 6.8 lbs over the contracted limit). He agreed to pay Jesse Hart $30,000 (30% of his purse) so the fight can go forward; Hart weighed 174.6 lbs.
Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
Muratalla and Cruz looked in good shape.Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑24 Jan 2026, 00:24 Raymond Muratalla (IBF lightweight champion) and challenger Andy Cruz both made weight ahead of their title fight — Muratalla 134.6 lbs, Cruz 134.4 lbs — and the fight is on for Saturday at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.
In the co-main, light-heavy Khalil Coe missed weight badly (weighed 182.8 lbs, 6.8 lbs over the contracted limit). He agreed to pay Jesse Hart $30,000 (30% of his purse) so the fight can go forward; Hart weighed 174.6 lbs.
Coe almost 8 pounds overweight ... he wasn't even trying, not a good look.
Omari looked fired up.
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
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Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
Date: Saturday January 24, 2026
Location: Fontainebleau - Las Vegas, NV
TV/Stream: DAZN
Start Times
YouTube: 6 pm ET | 3 pm PT | 11 pm GMT (Preliminary Card)
DAZN: 8 pm ET | 5 pm PT | 1 am GMT (Main Card)
Promoted by: Matchroom Boxing
Fight Card
IBF Lightweight Championship
Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz
WBC USA Light Heavyweight Championship
Khalil Coe vs. Jesse Hart
10 Round Middleweight Bout
Israil Madrimov vs. Luis David Salazar
8 Round Super Lightweight Bout
Harley Mederos vs. Renny Viamonte Mastrapa
6 Round Super Welterweight Bout
Omari Jones vs. Jerome Baxter
6 Round Super Middleweight Bout
Ronny Alvarez vs. Braulio Matias Ferreira
6 Round Lightweight Bout
Kaipo Gallegos vs. Wilson Akinocho
6 Round Super Featherweight Bout
Zaquin Moses vs. Leandro Damian Medina
4 Round Featherweight Bout
Jorge Ruiz vs. Austin Joel
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gregregegg
- Lightweight
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- Joined: 29 Sep 2017, 04:08
Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
7 lb is too big a miss. Basically means you didn’t try to make weight or you absolutely fucked somthing.Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑24 Jan 2026, 00:24 Raymond Muratalla (IBF lightweight champion) and challenger Andy Cruz both made weight ahead of their title fight — Muratalla 134.6 lbs, Cruz 134.4 lbs — and the fight is on for Saturday at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.
In the co-main, light-heavy Khalil Coe missed weight badly (weighed 182.8 lbs, 6.8 lbs over the contracted limit). He agreed to pay Jesse Hart $30,000 (30% of his purse) so the fight can go forward; Hart weighed 174.6 lbs.
I dont think it should happen if either of those are true.
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victor-romeo
- Heavyweight
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Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
I didn't watch the fight closely as I was watching basketball and the fight, but from parts I saw Hart was always hitting Coe, and never getting hit by him.. I thought Hart won that fight..
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gregregegg
- Lightweight
- Posts: 9272
- Joined: 29 Sep 2017, 04:08
Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
Close fight. Too close for me to pick rounds, definatly too close for me to trust judges to pick rounds.
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gregregegg
- Lightweight
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- Joined: 29 Sep 2017, 04:08
Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
Cruz hand speed is sharp. But he dosent throw enough, and never seems to really try rip a hard shot.
There has hardly been a clear round.Cruz He needs to do more.
There has hardly been a clear round.Cruz He needs to do more.
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margaret thatcher
- Super Featherweight
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Re: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz | DAZN - January 24, 2026
coe looked mediocre again, people were overhyping him after he beat that mexican dude who already knocked him out. hes lucky hart didnt get the decision
coe could easily be 10-3 right now
coe could easily be 10-3 right now