Andy Cruz is next in line for the chance to face Albert Bell.
It is not yet immediately clear if the 2020 Olympic gold medalist and former title challenger from Cuba will move forward with the opportunity. However, BoxingScene can confirm that the IBF has submitted invitations to both boxers to enter negotiations for a planned lightweight title eliminator.
Both sides have until the close of business this Thursday to respond.
As was the case when their side was contacted for a separate matchup one week ago, Toledo, Ohio’s Bell, 28-0 (9 KOs) accepted the offer straight away. The unbeaten contender is prepared to sign a blank check, no matter the opponent.
Cruz, 6-1 (3 KOs), has yet to formally respond to the inquiry. However, BoxingScene has learned that his team has at least expressed interest in the opportunity.
The development comes shortly after Canada’s Lucas Bahdi, 20-0 (15 KOs), declined a similar offer, as he plans to instead challenge for the vacant WBA 135lbs title.
Cruz was able to move up in the line after the most recent ratings update. The recent title challenger landed just ahead of Argentina’s Alan Abel Chaves, 21-0 (18 KOs), and former IBF junior lightweight titlist Joe Cordina, 19-1 (9 KOs).
The update came shortly after Cruz fell short to current IBF 135lbs titlist Raymond Muratalla, for whom he was the previous mandatory challenger. Muratalla, now 24-0 (17 KOs), won their January 24 meeting via 12-round decision to log his first successful title defense.
A decision to enter a fight with Bell – and win, of course – would place Cruz on track for a rematch with Muratalla, who in the meantime is permitted a voluntary defense.
Bell, 33, moved up to lightweight after failing to secure a title shot at 130lbs. The 6ft contender no longer saw value in remaining at the weight given the lack of cooperation from the sanctioning bodies in helping him advance in the direction of a title fight.
Two wins have followed, both of which came in his time-marking 2025 campaign. Bell earned shutout victories over Josec Ruiz and Keith Hunter, both in his Toledo hometown where he’s headlined in each of his past four starts.
