- Andy Cruz (IBF #2) and Artur Subkhankulov (IBF #3) failed to agree terms for the vacant IBF lightweight title, so the fight goes to purse bids on Tuesday 20 October
- The two met once as amateurs in 2019, when Cruz won a split decision in the semi-finals of the Usti nad Labem Grand Prix in Czechia
- My prediction is Andy Cruz by unanimous decision, because the class gap shows over twelve rounds
The Vacant IBF Title Goes To Purse Bids
Right then. The talking is over and the money will decide it. Andy Cruz, ranked number two by the IBF, and Artur Subkhankulov, ranked number three, could not reach an agreement to fight each other for the vacant IBF lightweight title inside the window the IBF gave them. So it goes to a purse bid on Tuesday 20 October. Let’s not beat around the bush: this is how a lot of title fights are made, and the winning bidder gets to put it on.
The belt is vacant because Raymond Muratalla handed it back and moved up to 140lbs. Muratalla beat Cruz by majority decision in January, so Cruz has unfinished business at 135 and this is his route back to a world title.
Cruz v Subkhankulov: The Matchup
Make no mistake, Cruz is a brilliant boxer. He is the Cuban Olympic gold medallist with feet that seem to know where you are going before you do, and he will want this fight. Subkhankulov is the unbeaten Russian, 12-0 with six knockouts by the last record I have, and in April he stopped a rival in the 12th round after four knockdowns. That is a serious résumé, and he deserves his shot.
They Have Done This Before
Here is the bit I love. These two have met once already. In 2019, in the semi-finals of the Usti nad Labem Grand Prix in Czechia, Cruz won a split decision. Split, so it was close. But Cruz was an elite amateur at that point, and he has only improved since. Subkhankulov is now in his mid-thirties, and that matters at lightweight.
My Prediction
Andy Cruz by unanimous decision. Subkhankulov will come to hurt him and he can take a punch, but Cruz is levels above in speed, angles and ring IQ. He will make Subkhankulov miss, counter him as he walks in, and bank the rounds. The amateur result tells you it will not be a stroll, but the pro game rewards the sharper boxer, and that is Cruz. If I am wrong, it will be because the Russian’s pressure turns the later rounds into a grind.
Now we wait to see who wins the purse bid, where it will be staged and what date it lands on. Whoever wins it, this is a proper fight for a lightweight world title.