andy cruz
The boxing world is still buzzing from the January 24, 2026, showdown at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Raymond Muratalla defended his IBF lightweight world title against Andy Cruz in what many called an instant classic – a 12-round war full of skill, heart, and high-level boxing. But when the scores were read, the conversation shifted from the action to controversy. Muratalla won by majority decision with cards of 114-114 (draw), 116-112, and a widely criticized 118-110. Fans, analysts, and even some fighters are asking the same question: Was Andy Cruz robbed?
Andy Cruz came into the fight as the heavy favorite for many. His amateur resume is legendary – gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, three AIBA World Championship golds (2015, 2017, 2019), and a near-perfect record of 140-9 as an amateur. Turning pro in 2023 with Matchroom Boxing, he quickly built a 6-0 record (3 KOs) with dominant performances. This was his first world title shot, and expectations were sky-high for the Cuban sensation nicknamed “Diamante” (Diamond) for his sharp, shining skills.
Muratalla, the defending champ (now 24-0, 17 KOs), was no pushover. A pressure fighter with heavy hands and relentless volume, he had earned the belt and defended it with grit. The matchup promised fireworks: Cruz’s technical boxing and counter-punching against Muratalla’s forward pressure and activity.
The Fight Breakdown: How It Unfolded Round by Round
The early rounds belonged to Andy Cruz. From the opening bell, he used his elite hand speed and footwork to control distance. He landed crisp jabs and straight lefts, slipping Muratalla’s advances and countering cleanly. Rounds 1 through 5 saw Cruz outboxing the champ, landing more accurate shots while avoiding heavy damage. His right hook and body work stood out, and many ringside observers had him up big – some scoring it 5-0 or 4-1.
Muratalla started to turn the tide around Round 6-7. He increased his output, walking through Cruz’s counters to land body shots and close-range hooks. The pressure was constant, and in the championship rounds (8-12), Muratalla’s volume became the story. He threw more punches, targeted the body effectively, and had moments of success in exchanges. Cruz remained composed, still landing cleaner single shots and counters, but his output dipped slightly as fatigue set in from the constant pressure.
The final round was electric – both men emptied the tank with heavy exchanges, the crowd on their feet. When the bell rang, it felt like a razor-close fight. Most neutral scorecards had it somewhere between 115-113 Muratalla to 115-113 Cruz or even a draw.
The Scores That Sparked Outrage
Then came the judges’ verdict:
- Judge 1: 114-114 (draw) – This one felt reasonable to many.
- Judge 2: 116-112 Muratalla
- Judge 3 (Tim Cheatham): 118-110 Muratalla
The 118-110 card was the lightning rod. It implied Muratalla won 10 rounds to Cruz’s 2 – a score that didn’t align with what most saw. Analysts from Bad Left Hook, Ring Magazine, and BoxingScene called it one of the widest cards in recent memory for such a competitive fight. Social media exploded with “robbery” claims, fans posting clips of Cruz’s cleaner work, and even some pros questioning the judging system.
Why the controversy? Cruz was more accurate early, controlled pace, and avoided big damage. Muratalla’s strength was activity and late-round pressure, but many felt his punches were less effective (landing on arms or gloves). The wide card ignored that balance and swung the narrative hard.
Was It Really a Robbery? Breaking Down Both Sides
On one side: Yes, it looked like a robbery to plenty of people. Cruz’s cleaner boxing, better defense, and early dominance should have earned him at least a draw or narrow win. The 118-110 score was indefensible – even Muratalla supporters admitted it was too wide. Boxing has a history of questionable decisions (think GGG-Canelo I or Pacquiao-Bradley I), and this felt similar.
On the other side: It was close enough that Muratalla could win on some cards. His championship-round surge, higher punch volume (per CompuBox-style stats), and ability to push forward might have swayed judges who value aggression. One judge saw a draw, which shows how tight it truly was.
Most fair-minded observers land somewhere in the middle: A draw or split decision would have been acceptable. The majority win for Muratalla isn’t outrageous, but the scoring disparity left a bad taste.
Andy Cruz’s Legacy and What’s Next
Despite the loss (his record now 6-1), Andy Cruz proved he belongs at the elite level. His performance showed why he’s called Diamante – unbreakable skills, poise under pressure, and world-class talent. At 30 years old, he’s still young in pro terms. The lightweight division is stacked (Shakur Stevenson, Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, etc.), but Cruz has the tools to climb back quickly.
Options ahead: A rematch demand is already out there (fans want justice). He could face top contenders for another title eliminator or even jump to a big name for redemption. His amateur pedigree and pro upside mean promoters like Matchroom will keep pushing him. This “unfinished legacy” could turn into one of boxing’s great comeback stories.
Final Thoughts
The Muratalla vs. Cruz fight delivered everything boxing promises: skill vs. grit, technique vs. heart, and drama that lasts. The action was top-tier, but the decision stole some shine. Andy Cruz didn’t get the belt, but he earned respect and proved his place among the best. The diamond still shines bright – his story is far from over.
TRENDYINFO
About the Author
