Former WBC cruiserweight world Champion Tony Bellew has revealed there’s one prospect he’ll be keeping a close eye on
Tony Bellew last stood in the ring in 2018, facing off against heavyweight royalty, Oleksandr Usyk.
“Bomber” Bellew retired after the loss and has since gone on to become one of the most well-recognised pundits in the fight game.
Speaking with Eddie Hearn at the Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall launch press conference, the former WBC cruiserweight king reveals one fighter he is keeping his eyes on.
Andy Cruz is currently 2-0 (1KO) and fights under Eddie Hearn at Matchroom.
The 41-year-old pundit expressed his excitement over the emerging prospect, “Exceptional talent. Unbelievable talent. I’d say let him [Andy Cruz] off the leash but you already have. He’s an exceptional fighter mate, really good.
“I’m sick of seeing people, how many weights can they go up? Just dominate at a weight, kid. Dominate at a weight, and then if you are forced to go up cause there’s no one left then so be it. But dominate at a weight first, unify it out and then get it done.”
Andy Cruz turned professional in July last year, after a long and illustrious amateur career. Cruz boxed in over 140 amateur bouts, winning Olympic gold at lightweight and becoming a three-time AIBA world champion.
The Cuban boxer is scheduled to make his third professional appearance in the ring on February 24, facing off against Brayan Zamarripa Rodriguez in Orlando.
Despite his professional career having hardly started, Cruz is already a big name at lightweight and has even taken to calling out some of the stars at 135 lbs.
The amateur legend has his sights set on a future showdown with exciting prospect Keyshawn Davis, he revealed in an interview with YSM Sports Media.
“That fight is gonna happen down the road.”
Cruz has to be careful not to take the jump from amateur to professional lightly, though he seems to have his head screwed on, expressing that he needs to continue to build his experience before taking on such a challenge.
“For the meantime, I’m going to continue to work and continue to improve with my craft. When it happens, I’m going to be more than ready.”