Muratalla isn’t predicting a quick finish. He thinks the work he brings to the season is more important than anything that happens in the first few rounds. He hopes the fight stays strong and for rounds to take something from the challenge.
Muratalla is focused on the second half of the fight. He believes momentum changes after the first few rounds, and Cruz hasn’t shown he can carry this type of fight over 12 rounds.
“So I think it’s going to be too much for him and see me knock him out in the final round,” Muratalla said. “There’s definitely a chance I can stop him. My strength speaks for itself.”
Cruz has already been in a fight that shows what Muratalla is describing. Last year, Cruz took Omar Salcido’s entire 10 rounds. Cruz won clearly, but the next round was not easy. He made clean shots and had to be in control when the speed was high.
That fight got more attention when Salcido came back and was more comfortable by the shorter man, Isaac Cruz, who won a 10-round broad decision by staying with him throughout. It didn’t hurt Andy Cruz’s condition, but it did show that staying strong can make him work harder than expected.
That’s a start Muratalla believes he can use.
There are also questions on Muratalla’s side. His 2024 fight with Tevin Farmer is not the same. Muratalla won the 10-round final by coming late, but he fought back quickly and gave up rounds. One judge scored 95-94, another 96-93, and the poster at 97-92.
This fight showed that Muratalla can finish strong. It also showed that he can take time to go.
Saturday comes down to what it’s all about. Muratalla believes his weight has weakened Cruz of late. Cruz believes he can stay in power long enough to stop the king.
Muratalla is betting the second half to decide.
Price information
- Fight: Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz
- Location: Las Vegas
- Broadcast: DAZN