IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla and Cuban contender Andy Cruz appear to be in the beginning stages of a potential fight after Cruz’ promoter, Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn, mentioned the two fighters’ teams were in discussions. Though actual negotiations do not appear to be have started as of yet, these positive signs allude to a significant future title bout in the making ― as well as another match between Jaron Ennis and Vergil Ortiz despite the availability for Ennis to face IBF 154 lbs champion Bakhram Murtazaliev.
With Jaron Ennis (34-0, 30 KO’s) having moved up to super welterweight (154 lbs), though he still retains his welterweight (147 lbs) titles, plenty of fights seem to be on the horizon for the American unified champion.
Despite most of the champions at 154 pounds occupied with their own respective matches in the coming weeks, there appears to be great interest for Jaron “Boots” Ennis to face countryman Vergil Ortiz Jr. (23-0, 21 KO’s) who is in possession of the WBC 154-pound interim title.
According to Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn, there are discussions [though not formal negotiations] in place to set up a bout between two notable Americans.
“[A return for Jaron Ennis is] probably September or early October,” Hearn stated to The Ring.
“He’ll be back in the ring at 154 [lbs]. We made a few offers to opponents at 154 [and] he’s ready to jump back in. The Vergil Ortiz fight we’re discussing with Golden Boy at the moment. I think that’s inevitable; we want that fight, it’s a massive fight. One of the best in American boxing. So yeah, looking forward to Boots stepping up. I think you’ll see a different animal at 154.“
While a Ennis vs. Ortiz fight in September or October would reach an appropriate top billing on any card, Ennis’ ambitions could have seen him face Russian IBF 154 lbs champion Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KO’s). The Russian fighter is currently still inactive since his October fight with Tim Tszyu last year and has already completed his mandatory duties after defeating Tszyu (25-2, 18 KO’s).
With room now open for a voluntary title defense, there appears to be little in the way of WBA & IBF 147-pound champion Jarono Ennis looking to seek a fight with Murtazaliev in a bid to become a two-division champion. The silence on the lack of any mention regarding an actual world title fight for Ennis perhaps denotes the fighter’s wishes for more lucrative earnings given the combined fanbases of him and Ortiz.
At lightweight, a potential title bout between American IBF lightweight (135 lbs) champion Raymond Muratalla (23-0, 17 KO’s) and #1 IBF 135-pound contender Andy Cruz (6-0, 3 KO’s) is also being canvassed for later this year.
“Yes, we’re in discussions for that fight [Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz] as well,” said Hearn.
“It’s also a fight His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh] likes. It’s a wonderful fight. The lightweight division is really hotting up right now, so we’re ready to make that fight, ready for Andy [Cruz] to get his shot at a world championship. Now he’s the mandatory after that [June 14th] win.“
Muratalla was elevated to IBF lightweight champion last month after netting the vacant interim version of the title earlier in May.
With the same IBF title having gone undefended for roughly a year by Vasyl Lomachenko before his retirement made it vacant, the belt seems long overdue for an appearance in the ring.
