What Six Fights Inform You
Cruz has seemed sharp in restricted publicity. His Cuban basis exhibits in how he strikes and controls distance. Bozy Ennis claims he hasn’t tried to rebuild Cruz’s fashion, simply add to it. That sounds affordable till you keep in mind he hasn’t been examined by anybody who may exploit gaps in that method.
Muratalla brings a special downside. He’s not a sophisticated boxer, however he applies strain and forces fighters to work in shut. If Cruz can hold him at vary and field off the again foot, this might go cleanly. If Muratalla drags him into exchanges and makes it ugly, we’ll study extra about Cruz in a single night time than we have now in six fights mixed.
The IBF sanctioning this as a title struggle says extra concerning the group’s priorities than Cruz’s readiness. Alphabet titles get handed out based mostly on rankings that shift for causes nobody exterior the places of work can observe. Cruz is likely to be a future champion, however placing him on this spot now looks like constructing hype earlier than confirming the muse.
Cruz Is Prepared
“This struggle is a very powerful struggle of my profession,” Cruz stated in coaching footage launched by Matchroom. “At this second I simply needed to show it, and that’s what I’m doing, placed on an ideal present and stay the champion that night time.” He calls himself the champion earlier than profitable the belt. That’s both confidence or promotional considering taking on.
He added: “Since arriving in the US I at all times knew I had what it takes to be right here. I’m conscious that each struggle will likely be harder for me. As I climb the ranks, the fights will get tougher. That is my first alternative for the title so for preparation every camp must be with extra depth, with extra need, extra coronary heart in order that I can obtain my aim.”
The attention is there, however consciousness and expertise aren’t the identical factor. Cruz additionally stated one thing value noting: “My fashion comes from Cuba. So somewhat than altering it I made changes, a mix of Cuban boxing and a boxing fashion realized right here can provide good outcomes. Expertise with out work is nothing.”
This struggle will both affirm Cruz belongs at this stage or expose him as a prospect who obtained pushed too quick. Muratalla isn’t a reputation fighter, however he’s fought more durable opposition . If Cruz handles him cleanly, the hype begins to look justified. If he struggles, we’ll be again to questioning why he was on this spot to start with.
Date: Friday, January 24, 2026Start time: 7:00 PM ET (12:00 AM GMT Saturday)Streaming platform: Dwell on DAZNVenue: Desert Diamond Enviornment, Glendale, Arizona
