Last time out, Raymond Muratalla defeated Zaur Abdullaev for the IBF interim world lightweight title. This upcoming Saturday, Muratalla will defend his title belt for the first time against Andy Cruz in Las Vegas. The undefeated Muratalla was long touted as a future champion with the Boxing odds and has fulfilled that promise.
Despite his impeccable resume, which lacks a single blemish, and his championship belt, Muratalla is an underdog against Cruz, who has a much shorter career and fewer fights. But Cruz captured the imagination of fans and gamblers from the start of his career. To illuminate, Cruz is being touted as the next great thing and a boxing version of a natural.
DAZN will present Muratalla vs. Cruz in an IBF world lightweight title bout from the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. At the onset, betting traffic was strong, and momentum kept building. Not many sports matchups draw more betting action than a championship fight. Muratalla and Cruz are popular and respected brands.
IBF World Lightweight Championship Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz
| Date and Time: | Saturday, January 24, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV |
| TV Coverage: | DAZN |
Muratalla vs. Cruz Boxing Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Cruz | -230 |
| Muratalla | +190 |
Muratalla vs. Cruz SBG Odds Overview
Raymond Muratalla opened as a +200 sports betting underdog with Andy Cruz as a -270 favorite. In turn, Raymond Muraatalla is +600 to win by points or decision. He is +350 to win by knockout, TKO, or DQ. The fight to end in a Draw is +1500. Andy Cruz is -115 to win by points or decision. He is +350 to win by knockout, TKO, or DQ. Additionally, the fight is -200 to go the distance and +154 to not go the distance.
Specifically, the fight is -215 to go over the total rounds of 11.5. Under 11.5 rounds opened at +158. Raymond Muratallas opened at +220 to be knocked down, with Andy Cruz at +192 to be knocked down. The prop opened at +1000 if both fighters were knocked down.
Andy Cruz Record and Form
Andy Cruz, age 30, is a native of Cuba and resides in Miami, FL. Cruz is ranked #14 in the world. Overall, Cruz has a career record of 6-0 with three knockouts. He stands at 5-feet 9-inches tall and fights from an orthodox stance.
Last time out, Cruz won a 5th-round technical knockout against Hironori Mishiro on June 14, 2025, at Madison Square Garden Theater in New York.
On January 1, 2025, Cruz won a unanimous decision in a 10-round bout against Omar Salcido Gomez at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV. As a result, Cruz successfully defended his IBF International lightweight title.
Initially, Cruz won the IBF international lightweight title in a 10-round unanimous decision against Juan Carlos Burgos at the Masonic Temple in Detroit, MI. That bout took place on July 15, 2023, and was Cruz’s first professional fight. He has successfully defended his title belt four times. Burgos was a 2-time world championship challenger. Thus, it was a spectacular start to Cruz’s career.
Previously, Cruz represented Cuba at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. He signed with Matchroom Boxing under the understanding that there would be no tomato can opponents. Cruz said he must have a challenging opponent for every fight.
Raymond Muratalla Record and Form
Raymond Muratalla, age 29, has a career Boxing odds record of 23-0 with 17 knockouts. He is ranked #3 in the world. In sum, Muratalla stands at 5-feet, 8-inches tall and fights from an orthodox stance. He is a native of West Covina, CA, and resides in Fontana, CA.
Last time out, Muratalla won a 12-round unanimous decision over Zaur Abdullaev on May 10, 2025, at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, CA.
Previously, on November 2, 2024, Muratalla won a 2nd-round TKO against Jesus Antonio Perez Campos at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY. On July 13, 2024, Muratalla won a 1-round unanimous decision against Tevin Farmer at the Palms Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, NV.
Muratalla vs. Cruz SBG Free Pick
In this situation, Raymond Muratalla offers championship credentials, an undefeated career record, and an appealing underdog price. Sharps love an underdog champion defending his belt against a less-proven opponent. Muratalla offers the better value potential in this fight.
Muratalla vs. Cruz SBG Free Pick: Raymond Muratalla.