Andy Cruz says the one factor his disputed loss to Raymond Muratalla achieved was giving him further motivation. The Cuban light-weight contender believes the setback has made him a greater fighter as he prepares to face Abraham Montoya tonight in Carson, California.
Cruz’s first skilled defeat got here in January when he dropped a intently contested majority choice to Muratalla in an IBF light-weight title battle. Many observers believed the 2020 Olympic gold medalist had completed sufficient to win, however Cruz isn’t dwelling on the judges’ scorecards. As a substitute, he says the expertise taught him useful classes that he’ll carry into the subsequent chapter of his profession.
“After all, you all the time take classes and expertise, even from victories, as a result of nothing is ideal. You all the time study one thing new in each battle, and the Muratalla battle was no exception,” stated Cruz to the Manny Boxing channel. “I realized so much. It was the largest battle of my skilled profession up to now in opposition to a fighter of Muratalla’s degree. It confirmed me I’m able to compete at this degree. It was a really aggressive battle, and past the outcome, each of us gained as a result of we placed on an ideal present and proved we’re prepared for the largest fights. What occurred in my final battle was gasoline for me.”
Cruz initially anticipated to face Albert Bell in an IBF title eliminator earlier than Bell accepted a late alternative in opposition to Abdullah Mason. Quite than complain about shedding one other direct path towards a championship battle, Cruz stayed centered on coaching and now meets Montoya, who enters the bout after upsetting Antonio Perez in April.
The 30-year-old believes a convincing victory will shortly put him again into the title dialog. After the frustration of the Muratalla choice and the cancellation of his eliminator, Cruz is treating Saturday’s battle as the start of one other run towards a world championship. The defeat might have delayed these plans, however he insists it additionally sharpened his focus and elevated his dedication to show he belongs among the many division’s elite.
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Final Up to date on 2026/07/18 at 3:24 AM
