Andy Cruz gets another chance to fight for the IBF world title

Andy Cruz could get a second chance to become a world champion, with his team and Artur Subkhankulov’s camp negotiating over the vacant IBF lightweight title. The federation initially set 7 October as the deadline for an agreement, but according to reports, it has been extended until 20 October. The belt became vacant after Raymond Muratalla decided to move up to a higher weight division.

Cruz lost to Muratalla by majority decision in January and expressed his desire for a rematch afterwards. Instead, the Olympic champion has been given the opportunity to fight directly for the title against No. 1-ranked Subkhankulov, while Cruz himself is ranked No. 2.

Subkhankulov is unbeaten with a record of 12 wins, six of them by knockout, while Cruz has seven victories, four by knockout, and just one defeat. The Russian now faces the biggest test of his professional career against an Olympic gold medallist with extensive amateur experience.

No date or venue has been announced for the potential fight, with the two camps first needing to finalise the terms.