Betting
Raymond Muratalla vs Andy Cruz Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: Saturday, 24th January 2026 Venue: Fontainebleau, Las Vegas Ring-walk time: 9:00 pm ET (1 am BST) Raymond Muratalla and Andy Cruz lock horns for this major IBF Lightweight title at the iconic Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. Muratalla will be aiming to defend his crown, but will take on Cruz, who brings prestige despite entering his sixth professional fight. Which boxer will win? If you are planning to bet on this contest, consider the top boxing betting sites, sites that offer the best value on your returns.
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Raymond Muratalla and Jeremiah Nakathila / Getty Images
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Check out the online sports betting sites in the USA ahead of time for this encounter.
Raymond Muratalla: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
Draw: 9/4 (3.25) – 23.5%
Andy Cruz: 4/11 (1.36) – 66.7%
Forecast odds – Betting available on bet365 closer to event
Tale of the Tape
| Attribute | Raymond Muratalla | Andy Cruz |
| Age | 28 | 30 |
| Height | 5ft 8”(173 cm) | 5ft 6” (168 cm) |
| Reach | 72” (183cm) | 66.1” (168cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Record | 23-0-0 | 6-0-0 |
| KO Wins | 17 | 3 |
| Total Rounds Boxed | 113 | 45 |
| Weight Class/Rounds | IBF Lightweight/12 | IBF Lightweight/12 |
| Titles Held | IBF Lightweight | 1x Olympic Gold Medallist |
| Last Five Results | W (UD), W (KO), W (UD), W (UD), W (TKO) | W (TKO), W (UD), W (KO), W (UD), W (KO) |
Raymond Muratalla
Raymond Muratalla heads into this fight looking to retain his IBF lightweight title, boasting an undefeated record of 24–0 with 17 knockout victories.
Muratalla last fought eight months and 14 days ago. He arguably brings more ring experience into this bout, having competed in more professional fights and accumulated more rounds. But this gap between fights wasn’t due to any pre-existing injuries.
Keys for Muratalla to win
Muratalla’s slightly greater height and reach could work in his favor in this fight, as these physical advantages may prevent Cruz from finding a rhythm.
Muratalla’s unbeaten professional record suggests strong mental toughness, and his never-say-die attitude could prove crucial as he looks to retain the title he has already won.
Andy Cruz
Andy Cruz has competed in only six professional fights, but this should not be overlooked, as he brings a wealth of experience to the ring. Cruz famously won a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and has claimed numerous gold medals at World Championships and the Pan American Games.
The 30-year-old has no injuries to report, having last competed seven months and 10 days ago. He comes into this encounter fresh and ready, taking on the reigning and defending IBF lightweight world champion in just his seventh professional fight.
Keys for Cruz to Win
Cruz’s style is quick and slick, with elite footwork serving as his primary asset. This allows him to negate his reach disadvantage and time his punches effectively.
Despite his smaller frame and slightly shorter height, he consistently lands accurate shots by striking at opportune moments.
Value Bets
Fight goes the distance (yes): It’ll be hard to separate either in this encounter, as both fighters have impressive resumes. With the title on the line, this one could go the distance to the 12th round.
Over 11.5 Rounds: This 12-round contest sees both fighters’ strengths complement their weaknesses, making it likely to go the distance.
Andy Cruz by decision: Both boxers have a history of scoring knockouts throughout their careers, whether in the professional ranks or as amateurs. However, we predict this bout will be decided on the judges’ scorecards, with neither fighter able to secure a stoppage.
Expert Prediction: Andy Cruz By Decision
This fight is shaping up to be one of the most exciting of 2026, particularly with the IBF lightweight title on the line. I’m backing Andy Cruz to prevail and become the new world champion, winning by decision after going the full 12 rounds.
Cruz’s strengths have made him a dangerous opponent in his previous bouts, and while Muratalla ranks among the elite in the division, Cruz has the ability to wear him down and land timely punches at pivotal moments to edge the contest on the scorecards.
Henry Cheal is a versatile freelance sports journalist with extensive experience in the industry. Henry has previously worked at the 2024 World Snooker Championship and earned a Multimedia Sports Journalism degree from UCFB in 2023.