Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz — IBF Lightweight Title Fight Ends in Split Decision Upset at Fontainebleau Las Vegas

The Fontainebleau Las Vegas theater in Las Vegas, Nevada, witnessed a stunning upset on January 24, 2026, as Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz captured the IBF lightweight title from Raymond Muratalla via split decision (115-113, 114-114, 116-112) in a tense, high-skill 12-round battle. Cruz’s elite amateur footwork, counterpunching, and ring generalship narrowly overcame Muratalla’s aggression and power, handing the defending champion his first professional loss and marking Cruz’s first world title in just his fifth pro fight. Aired live on DAZN starting at 10:00 p.m. ET after prelims, the bout exploded on X with @TopRankBoxing posting “Cruz shocks the world — Muratalla’s reign ends.” The intimate 4,500-seat crowd, fueled by Vegas fight-week buzz and Cuban flags, turned this into one of the most talked-about title fights of 2026.

Fight Overview Muratalla vs. Cruz 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 huge: Muratalla, 27, defended the IBF title he won in 2024, while 30-year-old Cruz chased his first world championship after going 4-0 since turning pro in 2022. Bet365 odds listed Muratalla as a -200 favorite, Cruz at +170 as the live underdog. X buzz framed it as “pro experience vs. amateur brilliance,” with @DAZNBoxing posting, “Muratalla’s pressure vs. Cruz’s Cuban school — Vegas chess match!” The 4,500 fans, hyped by weigh-ins at the Fontainebleau pool deck and Strip fan events, created an electric, close-quarters atmosphere. X polls were split almost evenly (51–49) heading into fight night.

Raymond Muratalla The 27-year-old from Rialto, California, entered with a 22-0 record (16 KOs), orthodox at 5’9″ with a 70-inch reach. The defending IBF champion averages 6.8 punches per round at 55% accuracy (Compubox), having won the belt with a 2024 unanimous decision over Jackson Marinez. Training with Manny Robles, X clips showed him drilling forward pressure and body work. His 73% KO rate and relentless style made him a favorite, with @IBFBoxing tweeting, “Muratalla ready to defend at home in Vegas.”

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 and 2020 Olympic gold medalist averages 7.2 punches per round at 62% accuracy (Compubox), showcasing elite amateur polish in his pro career. Training at the Top Rank gym in Las Vegas, X clips showed him perfecting feints and counters with coach Eddy Reynoso. His defensive wizardry made him dangerous, with @TopRank tweeting, “Cruz is ready to shock the world.”

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown Round 1: Vegas lights up as Cruz circles with a piston jab, frustrating Muratalla’s early aggression. Raymond lands a right at 1:40, but Cruz counters cleanly. Compubox: Cruz 26/42 to Muratalla’s 18/38. 10-9 Cruz.

Round 2-3: Muratalla presses in Round 2, landing body shots (22/45). Cruz responds with slick counters in Round 3 (30/48), snapping Muratalla’s head back. Scores 20-18 Cruz.

Round 4-6: Muratalla traps Cruz in Round 4, landing shorts (24 landed). Cruz outlands 70-60 over 5-6 with movement; Round 6 left hook staggers Muratalla briefly. 10-9 Muratalla Round 4, Cruz 5-6.

Round 7-9: Muratalla rallies in Round 7, landing a big right at 1:30 (25 landed). Cruz reclaims in 8-9, jabbing and slipping (42/68). Muratalla’s eye swells badly. 10-9 Muratalla Round 7, Cruz 8-9.

Round 10-12: Cruz takes over 10-11 with clean boxing (48/78), avoiding Muratalla’s power. Final round: Muratalla swings desperately, but Cruz’s 28 landed seal it. Compubox: Cruz 208/385 (54%) to Muratalla’s 192/410 (47%). Split decision for Cruz.

Key Moments and Impact Cruz’s Footwork & Counters: 208/385 punches (54% accuracy) neutralized Muratalla’s pressure, landing clean throughout. @TopRank: “Amateur king becomes world champion.” Muratalla’s Aggression: 192/410 punches showed heart, but 47% accuracy couldn’t overcome Cruz’s defense. Fan Reaction: The 4,500 split cheers — Muratalla fans early, Cruz chants late; X polls flipped to 65% Cruz post-fight. Cut Impact: Muratalla’s eye swelling from Round 8 impaired vision late.

Post-Fight Analysis and Implications Cruz, now 5-0, shouted, “Shakur, Gervonta — I’m coming for undisputed!” His title win nets $1.2M purse, positioning him as lightweight’s next big threat. Muratalla, 22-1, gracious: “Andy was the better man tonight; rematch?” Stock remains high despite first loss. Lightweight division heats with Shakur Stevenson, Gervonta Davis, Keyshawn Davis, and now Cruz in the mix.

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 again.” DAZN stream peaked at 1.3M viewers.

What’s Next? Cruz eyes Shakur Stevenson or Gervonta Davis in 2026. Muratalla rebuilds against top-10 contender. This Vegas upset crowns Cruz IBF champ.

On January 24, 2026, Andy Cruz outboxed Raymond Muratalla via split decision, elite skill claiming IBF gold amid Fontainebleau cheers. Olympic legend turns pro king, as lightweight wars ignite.