The IBF has rescheduled a purse bid for a lightweight elimination bout between Toldeo, Ohio's Albert Bell of and Andy Cruz of Cuba. The winner will become the 135-pound mandatory contender to current champion Raymond Muratalla. Cruz (22-1 including paid bouts in the World Series of Boxing) lost to Muratalla in January by majority decision. Bell (28-0) defeated Keith Hunter at the end of August but has not fought since. The purse bid, originally booked for today (May 18th) is now scheduled for May 27th during the Ratings Meeting at the IBF convention at the Grand Ho Tram in Ho Tram, Vietnam.

PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE

JAN. 25, 2026: At the Fountainbleau in Las Vegas, Raymond Muratalla kept his IBF lightweight title following a thrilling battle against two-time Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz of Cuba.  The American star was an underdog beforehand, but produced a strong performance that kept steady pressure on Cruz throughout the twelve rounder. Muratalla prevailed via majority decision, but both boxers left with their heads held high. Muratalla came on strong in the championship rounds and that was enough to win by majority decision (114-114, 118-110, 116-112) and hold onto his championship belt. DAZN News had the fight scored a draw at 114-114. Muratalla (24-0, 17 KOs) was constant pressure and not letting Cruz get settled in so he could use his footwork and power jab. Being relentless paid off in the final two rounds as Cruz (22-1 including paid bouts in the World Series of Boxing) had no answer for Muratalla and couldn't land anything of substance to keep Muratalla off of him to suffer the first loss of his professional career.