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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 14: Andy Cruz of Cuba, black shorts, reacts after defeating Hironori Mishiro of Japan, white shorts, during a IBF world lightweight title eliminator fight at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on June 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Rick Glaser reports and multipleoutlets confirm that Abraham Montoya will step in for Albert Bell to face Andy Cruz on Matchroom’s Diego PAcheco vs Immanuwel Aleem show on July 18th.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Cruz (6-1, 3 KO), fighting for the first time since a surprise loss to Raymond Muratalla this past January, was slated to meet Bell in an IBF final eliminator. Unfortunately for the Cuban sensation, Eddie Hearn and co. were forced to improvise when Joe Cordina failed to secure a visa for last Saturday’s TNT feature opposite Abdullah Mason, leading Bell to fill the vacancy and turn in a strong early effort before succumbing to Mason’s power in the 12th.
This, in turn, opened the door for Montoya (24-7-1, 14 KO). The 31-year-old, never before stopped, is a well-seasoned Victim to the Stars with noteworthy losses to the likes of Gabe Flores Jr and Tsendbaatar Erdenebat. That said, he did flip the script last time out with a split decision over Antonio Perez.
I’m guessing a title shot won’t be on the table for the winner, but Glaser claims Cruz is dropping to 130 afterwards anyway, so the point is moot anyway.
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