Raymond Muratalla vs Andy Cruz kicks off Matchroom’s 2026 fight schedule
Matchroom Boxing return to Fontainebleau Las Vegas once again, with the IBF World Lightweight crown on the line featuring defending champion Raymond Muratalla taking on Andy Cruz in a blockbuster Las Vegas showdown on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. The highly anticipated clash takes places at BleauLive Theater at the Strip’s newest, luxury resort, and is live worldwide on DAZN.
Muratalla (23-0 17 KOs) makes the first defence of his world title having been elevated to full champion following the retirement of Ukrainian legend Vasiliy Lomachenko. The 28-year-old, who turns 29 a week before the fight, became interim ruler with a comprehensive win over Zaur Abdullaev in San Diego in May, and ‘Danger’ will look to celebrate his birthday in style in his first title defence at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Cuban sensation Cruz (6-0 3 KOs) is aiming to become a World champion in just his seventh pro fight. Cruz punched his ticket to a world title shot with a win over Hironori Mishiro in New York in June of this year, dispatching the Japanese inside five intense rounds at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. The 2020 Olympic gold medalist and three-time World amateur champion now looks to secure his first world title crown on the Strip.
“I’m excited to make my first title defence against a worthy contender in Andy Cruz,” said Muratalla. “I know the fans are excited for this fight, and I’m coming to Las Vegas to prove I’m the class of the lightweight division. Thank you to Top Rank, Matchroom, and DAZN for making this fight happen. This is what boxing needs — more great fights — and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
“This is the moment I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid,” said Cruz. “Raymond Muratalla is a great fighter, but I believe I’m on another level. I’ve sacrificed everything to get here, and that’s why I came to the United States to make history. On fight night, the world will see the real Andy Cruz and why I’m ready to become a World Champion.”
“This is a sensational fight to start 2026 with,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Raymond is a fantastic fighter and a worthy World champion, but I believe he’s coming up against a man that is going to be very difficult to beat not just on January 24, but beyond for many a year. Andy has shown so far that he has every tool in the box to convert his stunning amateur success into a lengthy reign at the elite level in the paid ranks, and we will get to see if I’m right in a brilliant fight at the stunning Fontainebleau Las Vegas, with a great supporting card to be announced soon.”
Tickets go on-sale online at 10am PT Wednesday, Dec. 3, online, with exclusive pre-sale available now. For more information on upcoming Fontainebleau Las Vegas events, concerts and accommodations, please visit https://www.fontainebleaulasvegas.com/.