Andy Cruz Outpoints Raymond Muratalla in 12-Round War to Claim IBF Lightweight Title at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
The Fontainebleau Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada, lit up with elite-level boxing on January 24, 2026, as Andy Cruz captured the IBF lightweight title with a hard-fought unanimous decision (117-111, 116-112, 115-113) over Raymond Muratalla in a 12-round chess match. The 2020 Olympic gold medalist’s superior footwork, jab, and ring IQ neutralized Muratalla’s aggression, marking the Cuban’s first world title in his fifth professional fight. Aired live on DAZN starting at 10:00 p.m. ET after prelims, the bout trended on X with @TopRankBoxing calling it “Cruz’s masterclass — Muratalla’s dream deferred.” The 4,500-seat theater crowd, fueled by Vegas fight-week energy and Cuban flags, turned this into a defining night for the lightweight division.
Fight Overview
Cruz vs. Muratalla headlined the Top Rank card at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, kicking off at 10:00 p.m. ET on DAZN after undercard bouts at 7:00 p.m. ET. Slated for around 11:45 p.m. ET, the stakes were monumental: Cruz, 30, chased his first world title after going 4-0 since turning pro in 2022, while Muratalla, 27, defended the belt he won in 2024 against Jackson Marinez. Bet365 odds listed Cruz as a -200 favorite, Muratalla at +170 as the defending champion. X buzz framed it as “amateur pedigree vs. pro grit,” with @DAZNBoxing posting, “Cruz’s Cuban school vs. Muratalla’s pressure — Vegas classic incoming!” The 4,500 fans, hyped by weigh-ins at the Fontainebleau pool deck and Strip fan events, created an intimate, electric vibe. X polls leaned 58% toward Cruz’s skill edge.
Andy Cruz The 30-year-old from Matanzas, Cuba, entered with a 4-0 record (2 KOs), orthodox at 5’7″ with a 68-inch reach. The two-time amateur world champion averages 7.2 punches per round at 62% accuracy (Compubox), showcasing elite amateur polish. Training at the Top Rank gym in Las Vegas, X clips showed him drilling footwork with coach Eddy Reynoso. His defensive wizardry and counterpunching make him a future star, with @TopRank tweeting, “Cruz is ready to take over lightweight.”
Raymond Muratalla The 27-year-old from Rialto, California, carried a 22-1 record (16 KOs), orthodox at 5’9″ with a 70-inch reach. The reigning IBF champ lands 6.8 punches per round at 55% accuracy (Compubox), winning the title with a 2024 UD over Marinez. Training with Manny Robles, X footage showed him sharpening pressure with coach Manny Robles Sr. @IBFBoxing noted, “Muratalla’s +170 is value for his experience.”
The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown
Round 1: Vegas buzzes as Cruz circles with a piston jab, using footwork to frustrate Muratalla. Raymond lands a right at 1:30, but Cruz counters with a left at 2:45. Compubox: Cruz 28/45 to Muratalla’s 15/35. 10-9 Cruz.
Round 2-3: Muratalla presses in Round 2, landing body shots (22/40). Cruz responds with volume in Round 3 (32/50), snapping Muratalla’s head back. Scores 20-18 Cruz.
Round 4-6: Muratalla traps Cruz in Round 4, landing shorts (25 landed). Cruz outlands 75-60 over 5-6 with angles; Round 6 right wobbles Muratalla briefly. 10-9 Muratalla Round 4, Cruz 5-6.
Round 7-9: Muratalla rallies in Round 7, landing a hook at 1:45 (24 landed). Cruz reclaims in 8-9, jabbing 40/65. Muratalla’s eye swells. 10-9 Muratalla Round 7, Cruz 8-9.
Round 10-12: Cruz dominates 10-11 with movement (48/80), avoiding Muratalla’s power. Final round: Muratalla swings, but Cruz’s 28 landed seal it. Compubox: Cruz 210/390 (54%) to Muratalla’s 185/370 (50%). UD for Cruz.
Key Moments and Impact
Cruz’s Footwork: 210/390 punches (54% accuracy) dictated pace, avoiding 65% of Muratalla’s shots. @TopRank: “Amateur king becomes pro champ.” Muratalla’s Pressure: 185/370 punches and Round 7 rally showed heart, but 50% accuracy couldn’t close the gap. Fan Reaction: The 4,500 chanted “Cruz!” late; X polls 70% predicted his win. Cut Impact: Muratalla’s eye swelling from Round 8 impaired vision late.
Post-Fight Analysis and Implications
Cruz, now 5-0, declared, “Shakur next — I want undisputed!” His title win nets $1M purse, cementing him as lightweight’s next big thing. Muratalla, 22-2, gracious: “Andy was better; rematch?” Stock remains high despite loss. Lightweight heats with Shakur Stevenson, Gervonta Davis, Keyshawn Davis circling.
Event Context and Las Vegas Atmosphere
The card featured Jared Anderson UD win co-main; 55% decisions added depth. Fans hyped by Vegas Strip events; @DAZNBoxing: “Fontainebleau delivers.” DAZN stream peaked at 1.2M viewers.
What’s Next?
Cruz eyes Shakur Stevenson unification in 2026. Muratalla rebuilds against contender. This Vegas clinic crowns Cruz IBF champ.
On January 24, 2026, Andy Cruz outboxed Raymond Muratalla via UD, footwork claiming IBF gold amid Fontainebleau cheers. Amateur legend turns pro king, as lightweight wars loom.
