Andy Cruz believes another world title opportunity is within reach, even after losing an IBF lightweight eliminator through no fault of his own. The Cuban contender says his immediate focus is beating Abraham Montoya on Saturday night, but he expects to find himself back in the championship picture shortly afterward.
Cruz was originally scheduled to meet Albert Bell in an IBF title eliminator before Bell accepted a late opportunity to challenge Abdullah Mason for the WBO lightweight title earlier this month. Instead of complaining about the change, Cruz remained focused on his training camp and says nothing about his preparation changed except the scouting report on his new opponent for tonight.
“It’s possible. That’s the idea. That’s what we’re preparing for, another eliminator and to fight for another title as soon as possible,” said Andy to the Manny Boxing Channel. “I don’t care about the sanctioning body. I want to fight and become a world champion, whichever organization it is, and if possible unify titles, which is what every fighter wants.”
Although Bell’s withdrawal cost Cruz a direct path back into title contention, he insists the disruption never affected his camp.
“The preparation stayed the same. The study of the fighter changes because the opponent is different, but the preparation stays the same,” said Cruz. “The same intensity, the same strength and the same motivation. Only the adjustments you make for a different opponent change.”
Montoya enters the bout after upsetting Antonio Perez in April, giving Cruz another opponent with confidence despite the late switch. The Olympic gold medalist Cruz knows an impressive performance remains important if he wants promoters and sanctioning bodies to keep him near the front of the lightweight queue.
A victory won’t replace the eliminator Cruz lost when Bell accepted the Mason fight, but it would keep his momentum intact while the division’s title picture continues to shift. Cruz made it clear his objective hasn’t changed. Saturday night’s fight is simply the next step toward earning another shot at a world championship.
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Last Updated on 2026/07/18 at 4:03 AM
