Andy Cruz Targets Lightweight World Titles In 2025 After Dominant Win
Andy Cruz has outlined his plans to be fighting for world titles “this time next year” after continuing his rise through the professional ranks with a dominant victory over Antonio Moran on Saturday.
Cruz (4-0-0 2 KO) rode a couple of good shots from Mexican veteran Moran (30-7-1 21 KO) but ultimately proved too strong and too skillful for his opponent, stopping him in the seventh round of their bout at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
The Cuban lightweight opened the pay-per-view portion of the Riyadh Season show in L.A, which was headlined by Terence Crawford’s points win over WBA super-welterweight title holder Israil Madrimov.
Before Crawford collected his 10th world title in a fourth division, Cruz was putting on a show and demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the biggest talents in all of boxing.
While Cruz turned professional relatively late at the age of 27 – a consequence of Cuba’s ban on professional boxing, which two years ago was relaxed – he did so after a legendary amateur career. Among his many achievements is Olympic gold and three world titles, beating fellow lightweight contender Keyshawn Davis in two of those finals.
Now 28, Cruz looking to make up for lost time and start competing for world belts soon.
“It’s mission accomplished,” said Cruz after his win over Moran. “The first aim was to win the fight and the fact we’ve done it within the distance is even better. I said before the fight it was never going to be an easy occasion for me.
“We know Mexican fighters are really tough and this guy was really experienced. I managed to show I’m at this level and this is not a ceiling for me, I can go on after this.
“I just want to keep testing myself against the best. I keep saying fight the best and test myself. My goal is a world championship by this time next year.”
There was a moment when Cruz got rocked after Moran landed a massive left hook in the fourth round. He looked unsteady on his legs and wrapped up, but soon recovered his composure.
“It was a tough moment, but you don’t (get in) the boxing industry without expecting to get hit,” Cruz said.
If there is no change at the top of the lightweight division by the time Cruz is in position to challenge, the WBC title will still be held by Shakur Stevenson, and the American was ringside to offer his verdict on a potential future opponent.
“Great performance, he was sharp. Good defensively,” Stevenson said of Cruz. “Once the guy got tired, he got him out of there.”
Asked whether he thought Cruz was ready to fight for world titles, Stevenson responded: “I don’t know, he still got to take baby steps, not at that super top level, but he’ll get there for sure.”
