Andy Cruz vs Raymond Muratalla takes place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, and answers a single search intent: when Andy Cruz fights next and how to watch it. Cruz challenges Muratalla for the IBF lightweight title at Bleau Live Arena in Las Vegas, live on DAZN. The outcome fixes Cruz’s standing at 135 pounds and confirms Muratalla’s grip on championship level.
Lightweight sits in a narrow lane right now. Several names have shifted divisions. Others are inactive. This bout fills that gap with a clear championship stake and a clean ranking consequence.
When does Andy Cruz fight next and how to watch
Event: Muratalla vs Cruz
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Venue: Bleau Live Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: Live on DAZN worldwide
PPV price: No PPV. DAZN subscription required.
Start times:
Main card start: 8:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm PT / 1:00 am UK time Sunday
Main event ringwalks expected: 11:09 pm ET / 8:09 pm PT / 4:09 am UK time Sunday
Ringwalk times depend on undercard duration.
Why this fight defines Cruz’s position at lightweight
Cruz is 30 and operating near his physical ceiling. His amateur pedigree needs no reinforcement. His professional résumé still requires a defining twelve-round performance. Since turning pro in July 2023, his ring style has shifted toward controlled aggression, with more work at mid-range and a higher punch volume late in rounds.
Training in Philadelphia under Derrick “Bozy” Ennis has altered his habits. His stance is firmer. His exits are shorter. He stays in the pocket longer after combinations.
“I wanted to do something different [by training under ‘Bozy’ Ennis], and I think you will see that on Saturday,” Cruz told BoxingScene.
Against Muratalla, those adjustments face a champion who does not give away rounds.
What Muratalla brings as IBF champion
Muratalla is 29 and settled at lightweight. He trains under Robert Garcia and shows a consistent pro rhythm. His balance holds after exchanges. His feet stay under him when punches come back. He controls distance with small steps rather than reach.
Cruz has spoken openly about the task.
“Muratalla’s a great fighter,” Cruz said. “He’s very intelligent. He has a great ring IQ. But also his footwork – he moves very quickly in the ring.”
Muratalla’s edge sits in championship familiarity. He understands when to press and when to stall. He wins rounds without forcing exchanges.
What decides Muratalla vs Cruz
• Cruz holding stance and base after throwing
• Muratalla controlling range once contact starts
• Body shots influencing output in the middle rounds
• Tempo control during tactical adjustments
This fight turns on ring geography and round management rather than single moments.
Where the division points next
Keyshawn Davis has moved to junior welterweight. Shakur Stevenson has followed. Gervonta Davis remains sidelined. Lightweight now favors fighters willing to defend belts and take risks.
Cruz sees an opening.
“We don’t know about the number two,” he said.
A win in Las Vegas secures his position among the division’s lead operators. A loss sends him back to structural work at a stage where time narrows options.
Muratalla vs Cruz full fight card
Main event:
Raymond Muratalla vs Andy Cruz
12 rounds, Lightweight
IBF Lightweight Title
Undercard:
Israil Madrimov vs Luis David Salazar
Super welterweight
Khalil Coe vs Jesse Hart
Light heavyweight
Omari Jones vs Jerome Baxter
Super welterweight
Zaquin Moses vs Leandro Medina
Super featherweight