What Fights Can Tell You
Cruz has looked sharp with limited exposure. His Cuban roots show in the way he moves and controls the distance. Bozy Ennis said he wasn’t trying to recreate Cruz’s style, just add to it. That seems reasonable until you remember that he has not been tested by anyone who can exploit the opportunities in that way.
Muratalla brings a different problem. He is not a smooth fighter, but he uses pressure and forces the fighters to work closely together. If Cruz can keep him at bay and box off the back foot, he can go clean. If Muratalla drags him into trades and spoils, we’ll learn more about Cruz in one night than all of our other fights combined.
The fact that the IBF is sanctioning this as a fight says more about the organization’s priorities than Cruz’s readiness. Titles are assigned alphabetically based on variable rankings for reasons that no one outside the office can check. Cruz may be a future champion, but putting him in this spot right now feels like building hype before proving the foundation.
Cruz Is Ready
“This fight is the most important fight of my career,” Cruz said in training footage released by Matchroom. “Now I have to prove it, and that’s what I’m doing, put on a great show and remain the champion that night.” He calls himself the champion before winning the belt. Either confidence or self-promotion takes its place.
He added: “Since I arrived in the United States, I knew that I had what it takes to be here. I know that every fight will be more difficult for me. As I climb the level, the fights will be more difficult. This is my first opportunity for the championship so for the preparation each camp must be stronger, with more desire, more heart to be able to achieve it. my goal.
There is awareness, but awareness and experience are not the same. Cruz also said something worth noting: “My style comes from Cuba. So instead of changing it I made some adjustments, combining Cuban boxing with a fighting style that is learned here can produce good results. Talent without work is nothing.”
This fight will prove that Cruz is in this position or show that he is a prospect who was pushed too early. Muratalla is not a fighter, but he is more aggressive and knows how to fight badly. If Cruz is treated lightly, the hype starts to look justified. If he struggles, we’ll rethink why he was in this place to begin with.
Day: Friday, January 24, 2026
Start time: 7:00 PM ET (12:00 AM GMT Saturday)
Advertisement: Live on DAZN
Location: Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale, Arizona