Andy Cruz’s stay at lightweight is over. Following his third-round stoppage of Abraham Montoya last Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, multiple reporters covering the event indicated that Cruz confirmed he’ll move right down to the super featherweight division for his next fight.
“I used to be really waiting until after this fight. Now I can tell everyone at 130 kilos that I’m coming for them. They need to prepare,” Cruz said via Manny Boxing Channel.
The choice had been anticipated for months. Before the Montoya bout, several boxing insiders reported that it could likely be Cruz’s final appearance at 135 kilos after he struggled against naturally greater lightweights during his split-decision loss to Raymond Muratalla in January.
Although no full post-fight interview or direct quote from Cruz has surfaced publicly, reporters at ringside consistently described him as confirming the move during his in-ring comments and within the immediate aftermath of the fight.
The change gives Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn more options for the 2020 Olympic gold medalist. The 130-pound division features established names and contenders who could also be a greater physical fit for Cruz, whose speed, footwork, and technical ability were often offset by the scale of the larger lightweights he faced.
Cruz (7-1, 4 KOs) had little difficulty in what became his farewell appearance at lightweight. He dropped late alternative Montoya within the second round, continued landing clean combos within the third, and compelled the referee to stop the scheduled 10-round contest after the Mexican veteran absorbed sustained punishment.
A move to super featherweight also gives Cruz a chance to rebuild after the primary defeat of his skilled profession. His amateur pedigree still makes him certainly one of Matchroom’s most achieved prospects, and a successful run at 130 kilos could quickly place him in position for an additional title opportunity.
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Last Updated on 2026/07/19 at 1:02 PM