Boxing
Andy Cruz believes destiny awaits him in Las Vegas
Muratalla vs Cruz: Subscribe to watch - Jan 24
Andy Cruz believes victory tonight will put him where he belongs in boxing.
The Cuban challenges the unbeaten Raymond Muratalla for the IBF lightweight title in Las Vegas, live on DAZN, as he aims to add professional gold to his medal of the same colour at the Olympics in 2021.
The champion has said he believes this opportunity has come too soon for Cruz, who is having just his seventh fight in the paid ranks, but the challenger thinks that Muratalla is going to be in for a big surprise.
Matchroom Boxing“He will realize that it won’t be as easy as he believes it will be,” Cruz told The Ring.
“When I go into that ring, I believe my [skill] level is superior to whatever challenge he can bring.
“I believe not just my talent, but all that hard work I’ve put in, is perfect. I believe that my intelligence in that ring will nullify whatever he brings.
“That’s not to say he isn’t a good fighter. He’s a good fighter. I think it will be a really entertaining fight for the fans, but with the same ending as always. ‘And the new …’ "
The supremely talented Cruz understands Muratalla could be his toughest opponent since he beat Keyshawn Davis in the Olympic final in Tokyo, but expects to have too much skill for his opponent and achieve his ambition of becoming a world champion.
“It’s what I always wanted to do,” Cruz added.
“It was my main objective when I came to the US and I’m just one step away from that now. It’s practically done.
“It’s practically there. I just need to go out and show what I’m made of and show that nothing is gifted to you in life.”
A victory for Cruz could lead to some huge unification matchups, or even a step up to 140lbs to rematch Davis in a bout everyone would love to see.
He continued: “Since I came here, I went into everything with the mindset that I was number one.
“Now it’s just a case of having to show it. I think winning this fight will open big doors and it would get me those big fights that I’ve always wanted.”
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