UNBEATEN Cuban star Andy Cruz put himself in pole position for a crack at the IBF lightweight title, but will likely have to hold fire on that actual shot.
After posting the biggest win of his pro career, delivering the best performance on the way, Cruz made short work of Japan’s overmatched warrior Hironori Mishiro in New York.
“This is one more step in my career, one more step to reach my main goal, which is to become a world champion,” Cruz explained, moments after dismissing Mishiro in round five.
While Mishiro was top five rated by the IBF, he was something of an unknown coming into the fight. Cruz’s sights had been set on Raymond Muratalla.
“I really didn’t know much about him [Mishiro]. In the last few weeks, I was able to separate some of his fights. He’s a great fighter, and I respect him for that. He did a great job in the ring, but I came out on top, and thank God, I won.”
Unsure as to whether his crack at the title will come next, the 29-year-old from Matanzas has excelled during his short stint in the pro game and sits on the cusp of world-class. Hinting that he was happy to get past Mishiro first, win the fight and then look above him, Cruz feels he is ready for that next challenge.
Promoter Eddie Hearn could offer no further assurances at the post-fight press conference as to whether Cruz would get an immediate title shot. Muratalla probably has a mandatory or two piling up after Lomachenko’s extended absence.
Top Rank will look to get their man a defence locked in before he faces any true jeopardy, as he cements his place as full champion.
“Obviously, Muratalla has been elevated. So, we have to see what plans he has,” stated Hearn.
“If he [Cruz] were mandatory for another governing body, we understand that sometimes the rules aren’t quite as solid as the IBF. So, Muratalla being elevated, we believe he should fight his mandatory challenger immediately, and we would like it if that were ordered.”
One fighter who won’t be fighting Cruz anytime soon is old amateur victim Keyshawn Davis who is starting life at 140 pounds after dropping his WBO lightweight belt.
Cruz has been trolling the youngster lately. His latest quip, “Learn from your father”, was directed at Keyshawn during Cruz’s post-fight interview.
