IBF Orders Raymond Muratalla to Defend Title Against Andy Cruz

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has ordered lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla to make a mandatory defense against Andy Cruz.

The news was confirmed by Matchroom Boxing head and Cruz’s promoter Eddie Hearn, who revealed that the IBF instructed both sides this week to begin negotiations.

Muratalla and Cruz had previously been in talks for a November 22 fight in Saudi Arabia, but the negotiations collapsed due to financial disagreements. Later, Muratalla explored a bout with Floyd Schofield, though those talks also fell apart.

Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs) was elevated to full IBF champion after Vasiliy Lomachenko announced his retirement. The 28-year-old last fought in May, defeating Zaur Abdullaev by unanimous decision.

Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs), 30, most recently fought in June, when he scored a fifth-round TKO against Hironori Mishiro.