Albert Bell And Andy Cruz Headed To May 27 Purse Bid

The purse bid is scheduled for 2 p.m. local time during the IBF’s annual convention in Ho Tram, Vietnam.

The winner of the fight would move into position as the mandatory challenger for the IBF lightweight title, giving Andy Cruz a direct path toward a championship opportunity less than two years into his professional career.

Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs) has been moved aggressively since leaving the amateur ranks following his Olympic gold medal run for Cuba. The Matchroom-promoted lightweight already owns wins over veterans Antonio Moran and Omar Salcido despite having only six professional fights.

Albert Bell (28-0, 9 KOs) brings far more professional experience into the eliminator and has quietly remained unbeaten while fighting mostly outside the spotlight. The Cleveland native has long been viewed as a difficult style matchup because of his defensive approach and southpaw stance.

The negotiations reaching the purse bid stage suggest neither side was willing to bend enough financially to complete a deal privately.

A victory for Cruz would strengthen his standing in a crowded lightweight division that includes names such as Shakur Stevenson, Gervonta Davis, and Keyshawn Davis.

The IBF purse bid for Cruz-Bell is scheduled for May 27 in Vietnam.

If Cruz defeats Bell, he would move back into position for another fight against IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla if the titleholder remains at 135 pounds instead of moving up to 140.