Raymond Muratalla’s Coach Robert Garcia Delays Andy Cruz Battle: IBF Light-weight Champion Seeks Different Opponent

Raymond Muratalla’s coach, Robert Garcia, says that Muratalla gained’t defend his IBF light-weight title in opposition to obligatory challenger Andy Cruz till the sanctioning physique orders the struggle.

IBF Title Protection Stalled

Carlos Linares experiences that Muratalla’s coach, Robert Garcia, states that they gained’t struggle Andy Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs). They like to defend the IBF belt in opposition to one other fighter in California. It’s unknown who the opponent can be for Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs), however somebody doubtless ranked down beneath within the IBF’s prime 15.

It’s not a shock that the High Rank-promoted Muratalla gained’t be defending in opposition to Cruz. When Muratalla was elevated to IBF champion standing on June ninth, there was already hypothesis that his promoters would have him choose simple opposition to permit him to carry onto the belt for so long as doable.

Muratalla’s Subsequent Opponent Search

It’ll be as much as the IBF to resolve after they plan on ordering Muratalla to make the protection in opposition to Cruz. Muratalla may have as much as one yr earlier than the IBF orders the struggle. That point hole could be ideally suited for High Rank, as it could enable Raymond to get two simple title defenses in opposition to tender backside dwellers, like Maxi Hughes and Diego Torres.

Andy Cruz grew to become the IBF light-weight obligatory on June 14, 2025, knocking out Hironori Mishiro within the fifth spherical. It’s believed that the proficient Cruz focused the IBF title as a result of it was thought that it could be quicker for him to get a title shot reasonably than going after the WBC title that Shakur Stevenson holds.

Cruz is ranked #1 with the WBC. Nonetheless, Shakur has proven no need to struggle Andy. Stevenson has been pushing for a payday struggle in opposition to Gervonta Davis, and he’s been steering round Cruz, defending in opposition to lesser fighters.

Andy Cruz: Uncrowned 135-pound King

The 2020 Olympic gold medalist, Cruz from Cuba, has been an prevented fighter, deemed the untouchable one, since he turned skilled in 2023. Initially prevented by Keyshawn Davis, then Shakur Stevenson, and now seemingly Muratalla. It’s an indication that Andy Cruz is the uncrowned King of the light-weight division.

It may take years earlier than Cruz may get a title shot in opposition to Shakur if he selected to go in that course, as a result of it’s not a struggle that may be given to him. Once more, Cruz is arguably the uncrowned King of the 135-lb division. Shakur is the puppet King.