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The undefeated Cuban boxer Andy Cruz (5-0, 2 KO) will return to the ring on June 14 at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, in the U.S. city of New York, where he will face the experienced Japanese Hironori Mishiro (17-1-1, 6 KO).
The news was confirmed by the specialized page Boxeo Cubano on Facebook, which also highlighted that the current international champion of the International Federation of the discipline (IBF) at 135 pounds continues his meteoric rise in professionalism.
He also added that the fighter from Matanzas, considered one of the most technically skilled talents in the lightweight division, has his sights set on the Ukrainian Vasyl Lomachenko, the current IBF champion, who is currently inactive due to illness.
At the same time, Cruz is also keeping an eye on the American Raymond Muratalla, the interim titleholder of the same organization.
A key fight on the Hitchins vs Kambosos card
Although the evening will be headlined by the clash between Richardson Hitchins and George Kambosos, many eyes will be on Cruz's fight, which represents a new test in his consolidation as a world-class contender.
His rival, Mishiro, has extensive experience and only one defeat in 19 fights. It will be an important challenge to assess the Cuban's evolution, who has demonstrated a solid adaptation to professional boxing since his debut.
Cruz, the Olympic champion from Tokyo 2020, now boasts a record of 5-0, attempted to escape from Cuba in June 2022 heading to the Dominican Republic. However, that was a failed journey that resulted in his definitive expulsion from the sport on the Island.
Finally, he arrived in the United States in May 2023.
A few days after his arrival, he signed a multi-million dollar contract with Matchroom Boxing, the company owned by Eddie Hearn, a British sports promoter who is the president of Matchroom Sport and the Professional Darts Corporation.
That year he made his professional debut in Detroit, where he faced veteran Mexican Juan Carlos Burgos, winning by unanimous decision from the judges, a victory that earned him the IBF international lightweight title.
Frequently Asked Questions about Andy Cruz and His Return to the Ring
When and where will Andy Cruz fight his next match?
Cuban boxer Andy Cruz will fight on June 14 at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden in New York, taking on Japanese fighter Hironori Mishiro.
What is Andy Cruz's current professional record?
Andy Cruz maintains an unbeaten record of 5 wins, no losses, and 2 knockouts. This track record reflects his strong adaptation and rise in professional boxing.
What impact has professional boxing had in Cuba recently?
Professional boxing has begun to make its way in Cuba after decades of prohibition. Recently, agreements have been signed with international promoters, allowing Cuban boxers to participate in professional events under state supervision.
What challenges does Andy Cruz face in his upcoming fight?
Andy Cruz faces a significant challenge as he fights Hironori Mishiro, a Japanese boxer with extensive experience and only one defeat in 19 bouts. This match will be crucial to assess Cruz's evolution as a professional.
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