Raymond Muratalla makes a first defence of his IBF lightweight world title against Andy Cruz at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom promote Muratalla vs Cruz and DAZN broadcast the clash live worldwide.
Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs) is undefeated in 23 professional bouts and claimed the interim IBF crown with a unanimous decision victory over Zaur Abdullaev last May.
The 29-year-old was then elevated to full IBF champion following Vasiliy Lomachenko’s decision to retire.
Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs), a 2020 Olympic gold medalist, has been manoeuvred into a mandatory spot in just six professional bouts.
The Cuban stylist has breezed through the paid ranks, scoring three knockouts in his six victories and is a slight favourite heading into his maiden world title showdown.
The 30-year-old, who trains alongside WBA interim super welterweight champion, Jaron Ennis, floored Hironi Mishiro twice on route to a fifth round stoppage win in his last fight in New York in June.
Prediction: Muratalla has far more professional experience, but Cruz’s superior skills should prove the difference and the Cuban can become the new champion on points.
Coe clashes with Hart
Khalil Coe puts his WBC USA light heavyweight title on the line against former two-time world title challenger, Jesse Hart.
The pair were supposed to have fought in October, but their meeting was postponed after Coe (10-1-1, 8 KOs) suffered a hand injury.
‘Big Steppa’ bounced back from a shock defeat to Manuel Gallegos by stopping the Mexican in an immediate rematch in May.
Hart (31-3, 25 KOs), whose two previous world title attempts came at super middleweight and both against Zurdo Ramirez, has won five on the spin since a split decision loss to Joe Smith Jr in 2020.
Prediction: Coe will take a lot of confidence from his last performance against Gallegos and can overcome the durable Hart with a decision victory.
Madrimov returns at middleweight
Israil Madrimov looks to bounce back from successive defeats to Terence Crawford and Vergil Ortiz Jr respectively when he faces Luis David Salazar.
Madrimov (10-2-1, 7 KOs) has been on the sidelines since falling short against Ortiz last February, undergoing knee and shoulder surgery.
The Uzbek has since moved up to middleweight and faces Salazar (20-1, 7 KOs), who has lost just once in his career.
Prediction: Salazar appears a safe comeback fight and Madrimov should return with a stoppage success.
Remaining Undercard
Elsewhere, big-punching super lightweight, Harley Mederos (9-0, 8 KOs) can halt Renny Viamonte Mastrapa (4-3-1, 2 KOs) before the end of their eight-round contest.
Olympic bronze medalist, Omari Jones (4-0, 4 KOs) may be taken the distance for the first time in victory over fellow unbeaten American, Jerome Baxter (7-0, 3 KOs) at super welterweight.
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Cuban southpaw, Ronny Alvarez (5-0, 4 KOs) can halt Braulio Matias Ferreira (7-2, 2 KOs), while 19-year-old lightweight, Kaipo Gallegos (10-0-1, 8 KOs) should do the same against Wilson Akinocho (3-0).
Unbeaten super featherweight prospect, Zaquin Moses (5-0, 3 KOs) should overcome Leandro Damian Medina (7-2-1, 4 KOs) on points.
