“It’s just a matter of strategy. Yes, we look at the scale, but we look at what’s best for us with my trainer and team. We assessed that 130 is best for me,” Cruz told Inside the Ring.
The Montoya fight completed his contract with Matchroom, placing him on the open market. Eddie Hearn’s company guided the early portion of his professional career and matched him against Raymond Muratalla in only his eighth appearance.
“Following this last fight I just had, I’m now a free agent. I’m allowing my team to do the work to guide me through the next steps in my career,” said Cruz.
Finding a company capable of delivering important fights at 130 will shape his next promotional decision. Another lengthy development period holds little appeal.
“It’s about looking for those great fights, and the fans want to see me in those great fights.”
During the interview, O’Shaquie Foster, Emanuel Navarrete, Ray Ford and Anthony Cacace were presented as possible opponents. No particular fighter received Cruz’s endorsement, leaving his management to determine which promoter offers the best opportunities.
A permanent switch would also remove him from a crowded lightweight division containing Muratalla, Abdullah Mason, William Zepeda and Floyd Schofield. It would render his recent return to the No. 3 position in the IBF rankings largely meaningless.
Despite the official result against Muratalla, Cruz remains convinced that he did enough to win. He accepts that taking greater risks and applying more pressure might have produced a different decision.
“If I were afforded the opportunity to go back in time, I would make a few adjustments. I would take a few more risks and be a bit more aggressive. I feel like I did enough in that fight to get the victory, definitely.”
His team must now find a promoter capable of delivering the junior-lightweight fights he wants.
“I’m back. Showtime. It’s time for the ‘Diamond’ to shine,” said Cruz.
