'I think it's too soon for him' - world champion has his say on Olympic gold medallist

Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs) puts his unbeaten record and IBF lightweight title on the line against Cruz in Las Vegas this weekend in a bout being shown live on DAZN .

After beating Zaur Abdullaev on points for the IBF interim title last May, the American was upgraded to full champion following the retirement of Vasyl Lomachenko and will be making his first defence against Cruz.

Matchroom Boxing

Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs) is having only his seventh professional bout and although he won gold at the Olympics in 2021, Muratalla believes it is too much, too soon for the Cuban.

"I think it's a huge step up for him," Muratalla told  The Ring .

"I think for him, it’s gonna be a problem. I think it's too soon for him, just to deal with the type of pressure I put on the mind.

“So, I think it's gonna be too much for him and see me breaking him down in the later rounds.

“There's definitely a chance I can stop him. My power speaks for itself, so I think with the right shot, I could definitely stop him."

Cruz earned mandatory challenger status with fifth-round stoppage victory over Hironori Mishiro in June and while Muratalla knows he has a serious task on his hands, the champion doesn’t think his opponent has faced anyone like him before.

He added: "I think it's gonna be a good fight.

"I think he's good. He's a good boxer, knows how to move around the ring. I just don't think he's ever faced an opponent like me, with my mindset, my type of drive, just going out there and winning.

“So, I think it’s gonna be a good fight, but I'm definitely gonna get that win."

Muratalla knows a victory over Cruz will take his career to new heights and he’s hopeful it will lead to bigger pay days down the line.

"I think just the name he has and the Olympic background he has, it'll be good to add on my resume," Muratalla continued.

"It'll definitely allow me to get better fights in the future, and that's what I’m hoping for."

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