The upcoming bout will be a mandatory IBF lightweight title defense for Raymond Muratalla (23-0, 17 KO). The parties were unable to reach an agreement during negotiations, so the fight organizer was chosen today at the International Boxing Federation headquarters.
The opponent of the new world champion will be the experienced amateur Andy Cruz (6-0, 3 KO), a three-time world boxing Olympic champion (2017, 2019, 2021), and the gold medalist of the Tokyo Olympics (2021).
Eddie Hearn, head of Matchroom, has fifteen days to announce the exact date and venue of the fight according to the Federation's rules. The winning bid will be split 65 to 35 in favor of the current champion. This means Muratalla will share $577,777.20 USD with his promoter, manager, and trainer, while Cruz's base fee will be $311,110.80 USD.