IBF Lightweight Showdown: Muratalla vs. Cruz Set to Explode in Las Vegas
The bright lights of Las Vegas will shine even brighter on Saturday, January 24, 2026, as Raymond “Danger” Muratalla defends his IBF World Lightweight Championship against the undefeated Cuban sensation, Andy “Diamante” Cruz. This Muratalla vs Cruz clash, dubbed “Pressure Makes Diamonds,” promises to be a captivating battle between two highly skilled fighters with contrasting styles. The fight takes place at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas and will be broadcast live on DAZN. This is a mandatory fight for Muratalla’s IBF belt, adding extra pressure to the champion.
Raymond “Danger” Muratalla: Defending the Crown with Power and Precision
Raymond Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs), fighting out of the United States, brings a blend of power and precision to the ring. At 29 years old, “Danger” Muratalla made his professional debut in 2016 and has steadily climbed the lightweight ranks. With a 74% knockout percentage, Muratalla possesses the kind of power that can change a fight with a single punch. He stands 5’ 8” tall with a significant 72-inch reach, which he uses effectively to control the distance. Muratalla’s recent form has been impressive, securing wins against Zaur Abdullaev, Jesus Antonio Perez Campos, Tevin Farmer and Xolisani Ndongeni. His fan-friendly, counter-punching style makes him an exciting fighter to watch. As the defending champion, he will be looking to continue his reign.
Andy “Diamante” Cruz: The Cuban Contender Seeking Lightweight Glory
Andy Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs), the 30-year-old Cuban nicknamed “Diamante,” is a highly decorated amateur who transitioned to the professional ranks in 2011. While his professional record may be shorter than Muratalla’s, Cruz brings a wealth of experience from his amateur pedigree. Standing at 5’ 6” with a 66.1-inch reach, Cruz is a skilled boxer with a 50% knockout percentage. Cruz has secured wins against Hironori Mishiro, Omar Salcido Gamez, and Antonio Moran. Cruz’s experience and amateur accolades make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the lightweight division.
Muratalla vs. Cruz: Tale of the Tape - A Statistical Staredown
| Statistic | Raymond Muratalla (“Danger”) | Andy Cruz (“Diamante”) |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 23-0 (17 KOs) | 6-0 (3 KOs) |
| Knockout Percentage | 74% | 50% |
| Age | 29 | 30 |
| Height | 5’ 8” (173 cm) | 5’ 6” (168 cm) |
| Reach | 72” (183 cm) | 66.1” (168 cm) |
| Rounds Fought | 113 | 45 |
Muratalla holds a significant advantage in power, reach, and experience, particularly in the professional ranks. Cruz will need to leverage his speed and technical skills to overcome these disparities. The six-inch reach advantage for Muratalla could prove crucial in controlling the distance and landing his powerful shots, while Cruz’s ability to get inside and work effectively will be key to his success.
Form Check: Muratalla and Cruz’s Paths to the Championship Clash
Muratalla is coming off a unanimous decision win against Zaur Abdullaev, where he secured the IBF Interim World Lightweight title. Prior to that, he had a TKO victory over Jesus Antonio Perez Campos and unanimous decision wins against Tevin Farmer and Xolisani Ndongeni. Muratalla’s recent performances showcase his adaptability and ability to win in different ways, whether by knockout or outboxing his opponents.
Cruz is fresh off a TKO victory against Hironori Mishiro in an IBF World Lightweight eliminator. He also has a unanimous decision win against Omar Salcido Gamez and a knockout win against Antonio Moran. Cruz’s recent form demonstrates his versatility and ability to finish fights when the opportunity arises.
In terms of activity, Andy Cruz has been slightly more active than Raymond Muratalla. Muratalla last fought 8 months and 14 days ago, while Andy Cruz’s last outing was 7 months and 10 days ago. The potential impact of this difference in activity on their performance remains to be seen.
Keys to Victory: How Muratalla and Cruz Can Seize the IBF Title
Muratalla’s Path to Victory:
Cruz’s Path to Victory:
Expert Prediction: Will “Danger” Prevail or Will “Diamante” Dazzle?
This is a compelling matchup with contrasting styles. While Cruz possesses exceptional boxing skills and amateur experience, Muratalla’s power, reach advantage, and professional experience give him the edge. I predict a Muratalla victory by late stoppage. Cruz’s skills will make him a difficult opponent, but Muratalla’s ability to control the distance and land fight-changing punches will ultimately be the difference. Muratalla by TKO in rounds 9-12.
Betting Odds: Cruz Favored, But Muratalla a Live Underdog
Andy Cruz is currently the betting favorite at 7/20 (-290), while Raymond Muratalla is the underdog at 21/10 (+210). These odds suggest that Cruz is the expected winner, but Muratalla is a dangerous underdog with a legitimate chance of securing the victory.
Undercard Highlights: Coe vs. Hart and More
In addition to the main event, the Muratalla vs. Cruz card features several intriguing matchups, including Khalil Coe vs. Jesse Hart, Israil Madrimov vs. Luis David Salazar, and Omari Jones vs. Jerome Baxter.
How to Watch Muratalla vs. Cruz: DAZN Broadcast Details
The Muratalla vs. Cruz fight will be broadcast live on DAZN in the US and UK. The DAZN show is expected to begin at 8:00 PM EST / 5:00 PM PST. The main event ringwalks are anticipated around 11:00 PM EST / 8:00 PM PST.
Lightweight Supremacy on the Line: Muratalla vs. Cruz Promises Fireworks
The Muratalla vs Cruz fight is set to be a thrilling contest between two undefeated fighters vying for the IBF World Lightweight Championship. Muratalla’s power and reach will be tested by Cruz’s speed and skill, promising a dynamic and exciting clash. Don’t miss this exciting lightweight battle on January 24th, live on DAZN!
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