Raymond Muratalla will realize his potential when he fights Andy Cruz, his trainer Robert Garcia asserts.

Muratalla makes his first defense of his IBF lightweight title on January 24 against the unbeaten Cruz at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. 

Garcia has previously spoken of Muratalla emulating Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, who he also trains. Muratalla, 23-0 (17 KOs), despite being with a major promoter in Top Rank, and at one of the most well-known gyms, the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, has flown under the radar. He fought once in 2025, when defeating Zaur Abdullaev to win the belt in May. 

“This is where he is going to show his abilities,” Garcia told BoxingScene. “He has a difficult task in front of him, an Olympic gold medalist, a very talented fighter, but he is going to show what he is all about.”

What is it about 28-year-old Muratalla that stands out to Garcia? 

“Everyone that spars with him always has a hard time,” Garcia explained. “The 147lbers; 154lbers; they can’t hang in there with him. It is unbelievable the way he works.”

Muratalla, from Fontana, California and known for his ability to cut angles on the inside, showed his versatility against Abduallaev. He also showed a different dimension when he knocked out Jeremia Nakathila in two rounds in 2023, and battled back from an early deficit to defeat the former titlist Tevin Farmer in 2024. 

“He fights great on the inside, but he also fights great on the outside,” Garcia said. “When he won his title in his last fight, he fought smart on the outside, controlled the fight, and pretty much won every round.” 

Cruz, 6-0 (3 KOs), is a high-profile Cuban amateur. He won the 2020 lightweight Olympic gold medal, when some viewed him as the best amateur boxer in the world. He went unbeaten against US juggernaut Keyshawn Davis. Cruz, 30 years, challenges Muratalla having defeated Hironori Mishiro in an IBF title eliminator. He has already recorded victories over Antonio Moran and Omar Salcido, and even turned professional against Juan Carlos Burgos. Muratalla will face one of the most admired lightweights in his first title defense, and Garcia is eager for his fighter to show his talent.

“I can’t say it will be an easy fight,” Garcia said. “But, it will be a great fight for the fans not to miss.”