Cuban boxer Andy Cruz knocks out in New York and moves closer to a world title fight

The Cuban boxer Andy Cruz achieved a decisive victory by technical knockout in the fifth round against the Japanese Hironori Mishiro, in a lightweight eliminator for the IBF held on Saturday, June 14, at the Madison Square Garden in New York.

With this victory, Cruz becomes the mandatory challenger for the world title at 135 pounds, currently held by Raymond Muratalla, who took over the championship after Vasiliy Lomachenko's retirement, according to the site Lado MX.

At just 29 years old, the fighter from Matanzas (6-0, 3 KO), Olympic gold medalist in Tokyo 2020, dominated the match from the start and never gave his opponent a chance, whose competitive arsenal was limited.

In the third round, he knocked Mishiro down twice, and in the fifth, a series of combinations forced referee Eric Dali to stop the fight, declaring a technical knockout.

After the victory, Cruz expressed his respect for Mishiro and his enthusiasm for the opportunity to contest the world title.

Additionally, he sent a message to his former amateur rival, Keyshawn Davis, whom he defeated in the Olympic final in Tokyo, saying: "Keyshawn, learn from dad."

With just six professional fights, Cruz has shown a rapid adaptation to professional boxing and is emerging as one of the leading figures in the lightweight division.

Frequently Asked Questions about Andy Cruz's Victory in New York