Boxing
Andy Cruz looks sensational in fifth-round TKO of Hironori Mishiro to become mandatory challenger to IBF lightweight world championship
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Andy Cruz's footwork, sharp and diverse shot selection, speed and power were way too much for Hironori Mishiro to handle Saturday night.
After dropping the Japanese fighter twice during the third round, Cruz poured it on in the fifth to force the referee to stop the action for an electric fifth-round TKO at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
With the victory, Cruz becomes the mandatory challenger to IBF lightweight world champion Raymond Muratalla.
"I was born for these moments," Cruz boasted after the sensational victory, while also calling out Keyshawn Davis for a fight in the near future.
There was not any doubt Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs) would have his hand raised Saturday night after witnessing the fight's early moments.
After seemingly splitting Mishiro's guard at will with the jab during the second round, Cruz found a permanent home with his right hand during a pivotal third round where he doubled up with the shot across the jaw to drop the Japanese fighter in a heap.
Cruz continued to take advantage of Mishiro's severe lack of head movement by dropping him again moments later right before the end of the third — and that knockdown came courtesy of a right hand as well.
The referee could have stopped it right there but allowed the gritty Mishiro to continue and Cruz overwhelmed him in the fifth for the statement victory.
