Andy Cruz’s Inexperience Shows in Narrow Loss to Raymond Muratalla

This writer scored the fight a draw. Others leaned narrowly toward Muratalla. Even the wide cards did not reflect dominance. They reflected how close rounds are decided when one fighter knows how to take them and the other does not.

Muratalla knew how to claim rounds. He stayed in front of Cruz, kept the fight active, and forced judges to choose between movement and initiative. When exchanges were even, Muratalla’s forward pressure carried weight. That is learned behaviour.

Cruz fought with control and composure. His timing and balance allowed him to neutralise Muratalla for long stretches. He avoided extended exchanges and limited damage. What he did not do often enough was assert himself when rounds were there to be taken.

That difference reflects repetition at this level rather than talent. Professional title fights reward visible intent as much as clean work. Cruz often waited for openings instead of creating them. That approach works in amateur boxing. Over twelve rounds against a champion, it leaves too much to the judges.

With comparable professional experience, this likely would have been a different fight. Cruz showed enough ability to support that view. What he lacked was the accumulated knowledge of when a fight needs to be taken, not managed.

This was not a failure of skill. It was a test of readiness.

Against this opponent, on this stage, six professional fights were not enough.

That explains the result.