Get ready for a fight night that promises to be nothing short of legendary! Las Vegas is about to host a showdown that will leave fans on the edge of their seats, as two undefeated lightweight powerhouses, Raymond Muratalla and Andy Cruz, collide for the IBF title. But here's where it gets even more thrilling: while the UFC 324 event with Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett is stealing the spotlight, this boxing bout is the hidden gem of the weekend. Both fighters boast flawless records, and with their aggressive styles, expect a battle that could end in a knockout at any moment. This is one event you won’t want to miss!
But here’s where it gets controversial: Can Andy Cruz, with just six professional fights under his belt, dethrone the seasoned Raymond Muratalla? Or will Muratalla’s experience and power prove too much for the Olympic gold medalist? Let’s dive into the details.
The undercard is equally electrifying. Former WBA light-middleweight champion Israil Madrimov is looking to bounce back after consecutive losses to Vergil Ortiz Jr and Terence Crawford. He faces Luis David Salazar, who’s riding a five-fight winning streak, though Salazar’s only career loss came when he fought outside his home country in 2021. Is Madrimov’s comeback story destined for glory, or will Salazar’s momentum carry him to victory? Additionally, Philadelphia’s Jesse Hart battles New Jersey’s Khalil Coe for the WBC American light-heavyweight belt, adding another layer of excitement to the night.
The event takes place at the luxurious Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a stunning resort on the Strip known for its intimate BleauLive Theater, which seats 3,800 spectators. This venue has hosted notable boxing events, including Anthony Olascuaga’s WBO flyweight title defense in 2025 and a WBO welterweight double-header featuring Brian Norman Jr and Mikaela Mayer. But did you know? The Fontainebleau has also been a hub for Dana White’s ‘Power Slap’ events, blending combat sports in unexpected ways.
And this is the part most people miss: If you’re wondering how to catch all the action, DAZN has you covered worldwide. For £119.99/$224.99 annually or £25.99/$30.99 monthly, you can stream the entire fight card. Prefer a premium experience? The Ultimate Tier package includes 12 PPV events and 185 fight nights for £249.99/year or $449.99/year. But here’s the kicker: If you’re traveling or facing geo-restrictions, a VPN like NordVPN can ensure you don’t miss a second of the action.
Now, let’s talk stats. Raymond ‘Danger’ Muratalla, at 29, stands 5’8” with a 72” reach and a 23-0-0 record, boasting a 74% KO/TKO rate. Andy Cruz, 30, is shorter at 5’6” with a 66.1” reach, but his 6-0-0 record and 50% KO/TKO rate show he’s no pushover. Who do you think has the edge?
Muratalla’s journey to the IBF title is a tale of dominance, from his interim title win over Zaur Abdullaev to inheriting the belt after Vasiliy Lomachenko’s retirement. Cruz, meanwhile, transitioned from a glittering amateur career—capped by Olympic gold in 2020—to a rapid rise in the pros, stopping Hironori Mishiro in his last outing. Is Cruz’s momentum enough to topple the champion?
As the fight approaches, one question lingers: Will this be a passing of the torch or a reminder of Muratalla’s reign? Tune in on January 24th at 8pm ET / 1am GMT (Sunday) to find out. What’s your prediction? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
