Raymond Muratalla vs Andy Cruz headlines in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Both Muratalla and Cruz come into the contest unbeaten with the IBF lightweight world title on the line.
Cruz takes his first shot at a world title just six fights into his professional career.
Muratalla won his interim IBF world title in his last fight in May last year.
He beat Zaur Abdullaev via unanimous decision over 12 rounds.
The 29-year-old has been near-perfect throughout his career, coming into Saturday night with an impressive (23-0) record.
The unbeaten American has been tipped as one of boxing’s brightest prospects and looks to make a statement against the Cuban.
Cruz (6-0) is no pushover despite a lack of professional experience going into a world title fight.
He was last in action in June last year when he stopped Hironori Mishiro in the fifth round.
Cruz’s last fight took place on another Matchroom promoted card at Madison Square Garden in New York, the main event was Richardson Hitchins vs George Kambosos Jr.
Ahead of Saturday’s world title fight both men spoke to Matchroom Boxing.
Cruz said: “This is the moment I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid.
“Raymond Muratalla is a great fighter, but I believe I’m on another level.
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“I’ve sacrificed everything to get here, and that’s why I came to the United States to make history in the best boxing in the world.
“On fight night, the world will see the real Andy Cruz and why I’m ready to become a world champion.”
Muratalla said: “I’m excited to make my first title defence against a worthy contender in Andy Cruz.
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“I know the fans are excited for this fight, and I’m coming to Las Vegas to prove I’m the class of the lightweight division.
“Thank you to Top Rank, Matchroom, and DAZN for making this fight happen.
“This is what boxing needs —more great fights — and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Muratalla vs Cruz – Date, Venue, Start Time and Ring Walks
- The pair will fight on Saturday 24th January at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, United States
- Undercard bouts begin at 12pm local time (PT)/3pm ET/7am AEST/1am GMT (Sunday).
- Main event ring walks are expected to take place at 8:09pm local time (PT)/ 11:09pm ET/ 4:09am GMT (Sunday) / 3:09pm AEST.
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Muratalla vs Cruz – How To Watch
- Matchroom’s card is set to be aired on DAZN Boxing.
- A standard DAZN subscription can be bought from £14.99 per month.
- You can also pay upfront for an annual subscription at £119.99 per annum.
Muratalla vs Cruz – Last Three Fights
Muratalla
- Raymond Muratalla bt Zaur Abdullaev – unanimous decision
- Raymond Muratalla bt Jesus Campos – 2nd round TKO
- Raymond Muratalla bt Tevin Farmer – Unanimous Decision
Cruz
- Andy Cruz bt Hironori Mishiro – 5th round TKO
- Andy Cruz bt Omar Gamez – Unanimous decision
- Andy Cruz bt Antonio Moran – 7th round KO
Undercard
Alongside the main event Matchroom Boxing have put together a brilliant undercard.
Many of Hearn’s brightest stars feature on the undercard.
- Khalil Coe (10-1-1) vs Jesse Hart (31-3-0)
Light heavyweight (10 rounds) - Israil Madrimov (10-2-1) vs Luis David Salazar (20-1-0)
Middleweight (10 rounds)
- Harley Mederos (9-0-0, 8 KOs) vs Renny Viamonte Mastrapa (4-3-1 2 KOs)
Super lightweight (8 rounds) - Omari Jones (4-0-0 4 KOs) vs Jerome Baxter (7-0-0 3K Os)
Super welterweight (6 rounds) - Ronny Alvarez (5-0-0 4 KOs) vs Braulio Matias Ferreira (7-2-0 2 KOs)
Super middleweight (6 rounds) - Kaipo Gallegos (10-0-1 8 KOs) vs Wilson Akinocho (3-0-0 0 KOs)
Lightweight (6 rounds) - Zaquin Moses (5-0-0 3 KOs) vs Leandro Damian Medina (7-2-1 4 KOs)
Six rounds
