Muratalla Retains IBF Lightweight Title; Majority Decision Hands Cruz First Loss

Raymond Muratalla held onto the IBF lightweight title in Las Vegas, winning a majority decision over Andy Cruz on January 25, 2026. The official scorecards read 114-114, 118-110 and 116-112 for Muratalla. The outcome matters because it hands Cruz his first professional loss while keeping Muratalla firmly atop the division and lining both fighters up for future high-profile bookings.

The fight played out as a technical chess match more than a one-sided brawl. Andy Cruz often landed clean counterpunches and leaned on his southpaw stance to disrupt Muratalla’s rhythm. Muratalla responded with measured pressure and selective offense that convinced two judges he had done enough to win. Analysts and spectators described many rounds as close and technically rich, with individual rounds swinging on single exchanges and ring generalship.

Debate centered on one judge’s 118-110 card for Muratalla, a wide margin that clashed with the more conservative 114-114 and 116-112 tallies. That split in scoring sparked conversation about round-by-round criteria and how judges value counterpunching versus forward work. For Cuban readers following Andy Cruz’s trajectory, the card underscores how subjective scoring can shape professional records even in fights judged by narrow margins.

The undercard delivered solid action and contributed to the overall energy of the event. Promoters and matchmakers now have tangible assets: Muratalla remains a credentialed IBF champion, while Cruz, despite his first loss, demonstrated enough skill and ring IQ to remain a desirable opponent for big-name fights. Both fighters are likely to appear in lightweight discussions for marquee matchups, which affects ticket demand and broadcast interest across the region.

For local boxing fans and community clubs, the fight offers practical takeaways. Study Cruz’s counterpunching and southpaw tactics for sparring sessions, and use Muratalla’s paced pressure as a model for managing rounds against mobile opponents. Coaches can point to the bout as a case study in close-round scoring and the importance of clear, consistent output to sway judges.

Looking ahead, Raymond Muratalla’s retained IBF belt keeps him in position for title defenses and negotiating leverage, while Andy Cruz’s first pro defeat will recalibrate his next career steps without erasing his credentials. Both names should appear on matchmakers’ lists for upcoming lightweight cards, so expect more opportunities to watch and analyze their next moves.