Promoters are not used to this when their fighter walks to a sign.
Cruz is the favorite bet, and that part makes sense. He’s an Olympic gold medalist, and he seems unbeatable as a professional. The eye exam was kind to him this time. Muratalla, the IBF lightweight champion, is undefeated with 28 wins, and has more experience in the field. However, experience only goes so far if the level of opposition is not high.
Muratalla’s biggest wins came from Tevin Farmer and Zaur Abdullaev. Professional, but not sloppy. Also, neither fighter has looked anywhere near Cruz’s level in their own careers. That doesn’t mean Muratalla can’t win. However, he doesn’t have the kind of wins on his resume to suggest that he will beat the Cuban-born Cruz.
The fight was a forced defense, so Muratalla had no choice. The fight has been ordered. He was hoping to make a decision before the fight was called, but he didn’t move quickly to make it happen. Finally, Muratalla ran out of time, as the IBF ordered him to face Cruz.
So why didn’t Hearn delay? A group that feels like a customer. Everyone already expected Cruz to win. Say 50 50 to keep the fight alive in chat. It suggests danger without spelling doubt. It also quietly brings to mind the one thing Cruz didn’t show.
“Andy is Andy,” Hearn said. “This is his time, but Muratalla was there first.”
Muratalla has won twelve championship fights. Cruz does not. It’s just a box waiting to be checked.
Then Cruz’s name was in the ring. The soldiers talked to him. Chances were not rushed his way. Keyshawn Davis is one name that hasn’t been revealed, even in social media that has been floating around.
Hearn doesn’t have to say Cruz should win. Everyone already thought about that. What he’s doing is leaving only room for suspense to show the true nature of the fight to inspire excitement.