Cuban standout Andy Cruz is set to fight for a world title in just his seventh professional bout against Raymond Muratalla this Saturday in Las Vegas on DAZN, less than three years after turning professional. But how have Andy Cruz arrived to this point in his life?
Before the pros, Cruz was a pillar of Cuba’s famed amateur system, winning three World Championships and Olympic gold at the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021. For decades, professional boxing was outlawed in Cuba, forcing elite fighters to remain amateurs or defect. That changed in 2022 when the ban was lifted, paving the way for Cruz’s pro debut in July 2023 and a rapid ascent toward a world title opportunity.
Cruz began boxing at age ten and dabbled in baseball and football, but another passion has always followed him - music. A lover of rap, he has featured in tracks and music videos back home and says he plans to pursue singing once his boxing career ends. “After I’m done with boxing, I’ll be a singer,” Cruz said. “And I mix the dance with the boxing.”
To aid his transition to the professional ranks, Cruz linked up in Philadelphia with Jaron Ennis, training under Ennis’ father and coach Bozy Ennis. Ennis himself has praised Cruz’s readiness, pointing to his ring IQ and vast amateur experience as reasons he believes the Cuban is prepared for a title shot so early in his pro career.
Beyond belts and accolades, Cruz says his greatest motivation lies outside the ring. Raised in Matanzas, Cuba, his parents, brother, and young son still live there. Bringing his family to the United States, he says, would mean more than any medal or championship.
“Since I came to the United States, that is my motivation,” Cruz said. “Bring my family and win the world titles and bring all my family here.”
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