Andy Cruz vs. Artur Subkhankulov - Vacant IBF Title

[Ruthless-RKO]

IBF ORDERS CRUZ VS. SUBKHANKULOV FOR VACANT LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE

Andy Cruz will get another crack at a world title.

The IBF has officially ordered its No. 2-ranked lightweight to take on No. 1 contender Artur Subkhankulov for the vacant title. The two sides have until October 7 to come to an agreement. If not, a purse bid will be called.

Raymond Muratalla, its former champion, recently vacated the IBF crown to move up in weight.

Cruz is getting a quick chance to redeem himself. The Ring’s No. 5 lightweight lost a majority decision to Muratalla on January 24. Cruz (7-1, 4 KOs) was hoping to land a rematch with Muratalla, but will have to settle for Russia's Subkhankulov.

The sanctioning body originally ordered Cruz to face Albert Bell in an eliminator on July 18, with the winner getting a mandated shot at Muratalla. However, Bell pulled out at the last minute in favor of fighting Abdullah Mason, the WBO champion. Bell was stopped in the last round.

As for Subkhankulov (12-0, 6 KOs), this is a massive step up in competition. The 34-year-old has won twice this year, with his latest victory coming via 12th-round stoppage against Bakhodur Usmonov on April 24.