In the latest boxing news, Andy Cruz will take on Brayan Zamarripa on February 24, 2024, at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. 

Cruz is a rising star in the lightweight division, having turned professional at the late age of 27. The Cuban’s current professional record is 2-0, with one knockout. The first win was a unanimous decision victory over Juan Carlos Burgos.

Cruz Vs. Zamarripa

That was followed by a spectacular stoppage of Jovanni Straffon in his last bout. He has already been mentioned as a future world champion, having beaten Keyshawn Davis numerous times in the amateurs. He is working under Bozy Ennis as he teams up with Jaron Ennis in their stable of fighters. 

But Zamarripa will be no pushover. His record is 14-2, but he has never been knocked out. He is also a southpaw, which will give Cruz another hurdle to overcome. Zamarripa may have lost against Angel Fierro via a split decision, but he was on a ten-fight win streak before that.

Since then, he has recovered as he stopped Geovanni de Jesus Godinez in his last fight. Edgar Berlanga and Padraig McCrory will headline the main event in a super middleweight clash, but the attention has been on Cruz over his life outside of the ring. 

The boxer is in a lawsuit against his co-promoter, New Champion Promotions, LLC and its President, Jesse Rodriguez. He alleges that his contract has been breached and has requested damages in the of over $100,000. Cruz claims he was signed after leaving Cuba under false claims that the company would promote his bouts. Instead, the company entered a co-promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing, which has now come under fire. Cruz has stressed that Rodriguez and NCP have taken over $100,000 of his earnings after the company claimed they were allowed 25 percent. This is even though Cruz stresses there is no agreement for this in his contract. 

Cruz’s Lawsuit

“Despite having only participated in two professional boxing matches, Cruz is acknowledged as one of the best boxers in the world at his division. Tragically, Cruz’s promoter, New Champions Promotions, LLC. and its principal, Jesse Rodriguez, have abused Cruz’s trust by taking his money, which is both a breach of their contract and a violation of the law.”

“NCP is claiming the right to 25% of the money Matchroom pays Cruz for his signing bonuses and purses. Thus, NCP meets the statutory definition of “manager” under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 18628. NCP is not a licensed boxing manager per California law, rendering the Boxing Promotional Agreement illegal and void as to NCP,” Cruz’s representative Gregory Smith 

That is the last thing Cruz needs, given that his career is almost set to take off. He is seen as the future of the lightweight division, with even Eddie Hearn claiming he beats Gervonta Davis. But to keep on track, he must overcome his legal issues outside of the ring. And there is no getting away from that. ‘Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com’