Andy Cruz’s lightweight campaign could be coming to an unexpected end.
According to veteran boxing insider Rick Glaser, Cruz will no longer face Albert Bell on July 18 after Bell withdrew from the scheduled bout. Instead, the unbeaten Cuban will meet veteran Abraham Montoya on the DAZN card. Glaser also reported that Cruz plans to move down to the super featherweight division after the fight.
The opponent change removes what had been scheduled as an IBF lightweight title eliminator. Cruz and Bell were originally set to battle for a mandatory position in the organization’s rankings, but Bell’s withdrawal leaves Cruz taking a stay-busy fight against Montoya, 31, instead.
Montoya (24-7-1, 14 KOs) brings experience but enters the fight as a heavy underdog. The Mexican veteran has shared the ring with several established contenders during his career and accepted the assignment on short notice to keep Cruz on the July 18 card.
A move to 130 pounds has been discussed for some time. Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has previously suggested Cruz may be better suited to the division because of his size, with the Olympic gold medalist often giving away height and reach against many of the lightweight division’s leading contenders.
The July 18 bout now appears set to be Cruz’s final fight at 135 pounds before beginning a new campaign at super featherweight. If Glaser’s report is confirmed, Cruz will enter one of boxing’s deepest divisions with an opportunity to pursue another world title path after his lightweight title hopes were put on hold by the cancellation of the Bell eliminator.
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Last Updated on 2026/07/04 at 7:13 PM
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