Raymond Matalla coach Robert Garcia delayed the fight against the

Raymond Matalla coach Robert Garcia says that Matalla will not defend his light title from IBF against the mandatory challenger Andy Cruz until the sanctioning body orders the fight.

IBF Title Defense Stalled

Carlos Linares report Matalla coach Robert Garcia says he will not fight against Andy Cruz (6-0, 3 kos). They prefer to defend IBF belt against another California fighter. It is unknown who will be the opponent for Muratalla (23-0, 17 kos), but someone ranked below the first 15 of the IBF.

It is not a surprise that the highest rank does not defend against Cruz. When Muratalla was elevated to the state of the IBF champion on June 9, there was already speculation that its promoters had easy opposition to allow it to keep it in the belt as long as possible.

Muratalla’s next opponent search

You will have IBF to decide when they plan to order Muratalla to make the defense against Cruz. Muratalla could have up to a year before the IBF ordered the fight. That gap would be ideal for the first range, as it would allow Raymond to obtain two easy title defenses against gentle inhabitants, such as Maxi Hughes and Diego Torres.

Andy Cruz became the slight obligation of IBF on June 14, 2025, and dropped Hironori Mishiro in the fifth round. It is believed that the talented Cruz pointed out the title of IBF because it was thought that it would be faster for him to get a title shot instead of passing after the WBC title Shakur Stevenson has.

Cruz is in place number 1 with WBC. However, Shakur has not shown any will to fight Andy. Stevenson has been pushing for a paying struggle against Gervonta Davis, and has been directing to Cruz, defending himself against minor fighters.

Andy Cruz: 135 pound crown king

The 2020 Olympic Gold Medal, Cruz de Cuba, has been a prevented fighter, considered the untouchable, as he became a professional in 2023. Initially avoided by Keyshawn Davis, then Shakur Stevenson, and now apparently Muratalla. It is a sign that Andy Cruz is the Kingless King of the light division.

It could take years before Cruz could get a title shot against Shakur if he decided to go in this direction, because he would not give a struggle that would be given to him. Once again, Cruz is, without a doubt, the king without crown of the division of 135 pounds. Shakur is the King of puppets.