Andy Cruz Reportedly Making Moves to Secure Professional Boxing Future
Despite Cuba’s decision to open its doors to professional boxing in April of 2022, it has not stopped current amateurs from seeking to turn pro abroad. The latest amateur from the boxing-rich country who has decided to make this move is Cuban amateur star Andy Cruz.
Initially, Cruz was set to turn pro in Mexico in May 2022. However, he was pulled from the event due to what was deemed a bad attitude between him and his amateur trainer. It now seems that was a cover for something larger.
Cruz was a no-show at Cuba’s Playa Giron National Boxing Tournament, which began on June 20. According to the source BoxeoCubano, the 26-year-old has left the country and is currently at an undisclosed location to seek “a better lifestyle for him and his family”.
Andy Cruz is arguably the best amateur boxer in the world. The reigning 2020 Olympic gold medalist in the lightweight division dazzled audiences and the viewing public with his speed, and boxing skills. In the Gold medal final, he soundly defeated rival Keyshawn Davis by a split decision.
MAKING THE TRANSITION
Due to his immense skill, boxing IQ, maturity, and radar-like defense, Cruz comes off as a natural. His style would seemingly mold well as a pro. With such a long and decorated amateur career, he’s advanced far beyond his years and is a candidate to move up the ranks quickly.
Ramifications of this move by Cruz are massive. He was being heavily observed by scouts at the Olympics last year. Boxing pundits have openly wondered how the slick fighting Cuban could fare in the professional ranks. Now, it seems that folks could get that opportunity.
HOT COMMODITY
One would guess that Cruz would start in the pros as a lightweight. A tantalizing matchup down the line could be a showdown with Davis (5-0, 4 KOs), who he defeated four times as an amateur. Davis is now with Top Rank and is one of the prized fighters on their roster. He’s viewed by many as one of the best prospects in the world, with unlimited potential.
That same label will assuredly be put on Cruz wherever he winds up. Look for promoters to be at his doorsteps in an attempt to sign him to what would be a lucrative deal. Word on the street is that ex-WBA Super welterweight champ Yordenis Ugas and rising featherweight contender Robeisy Ramirez are working behind the scenes to bring him to the United States. Because this is still a developing situation, please stay tuned to 3Kings Boxing for further updates.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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