If he’s serious about dropping to 130, he’ll must begin climbing the rankings in a brand new division. If the priority stays a rematch with Muratalla, staying at lightweight makes more sense. Attempting to keep each options open may leave him waiting for opportunities that never arrive.
After his victory over Montoya, Cruz said he’s prepared for a brand new challenge.
“I like challenges, and tonight was just that. My last fight didn’t go my way, but I used to be in a position to show what I even have this time,” said Cruz,
Cruz made it clear that Muratalla stays the opponent he wants most.
“Truthfully, the No. 1 thing on my list is to get the rematch against Muratalla,” said Cruz to The Ring.
“I can beat [WBO lightweight champion Abdullah] Mason. I can beat whoever isn’t Mason. I feel Mason is a fantastic fighter with a shiny future. The one query is when the fight will occur.
“I feel the fights on August 1 are going to be great as well. I see Muratalla coming out victorious. Zepeda and Roach will likely be a fair more interesting fight, but I even have to present Roach more of the sting.”
Cruz also discussed Lomachenko, saying the previous three-division champion has long been someone he admired due to their achieved amateur careers.
The challenge for Cruz isn’t identifying opponents. It’s creating a practical path to those fights.
Champions at 130 and 135 have little incentive to volunteer for a technically gifted opponent who isn’t yet a significant industrial draw. Unless Cruz earns one other mandatory position through the rankings or a titleholder has no higher alternatives, he may find himself waiting longer than expected despite possessing the talent to compete with anyone in either division.