Raymond Muratalla vacates IBF title as Andy Cruz meets Artur Subkhankulov
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 11:35 PM
Last updated Sep 7, 2026
Raymond Muratalla has officially vacated his IBF lightweight title, clearing the path for the organization's top two contenders to compete for the championship. The IBF has ordered Andy Cruz and Artur Subkhankulov to finalize an agreement for the vacant belt within 30 days to avoid a purse bid. Cruz, who holds a 7-1 professional record, most recently defeated Abraham Montoya after an earlier title match loss to Muratalla. His opponent, the undefeated 12-0 Artur Subkhankulov, is coming off a 12th-round stoppage of Bakhodur Usmonov. The two fighters previously met in the amateur ranks during a 2019 bout that ended in a split decision. Muratalla is reportedly planning a move to the 140-pound division.
- •Raymond Muratalla vacated the IBF lightweight title to move up to 140 pounds.
- •The IBF ordered Andy Cruz and Artur Subkhankulov to negotiate a title fight.
- •Parties have 30 days to reach an agreement before the IBF initiates a purse bid.
- •Cruz and Subkhankulov previously faced each other in the amateur ranks in 2019.
- 11:35 PMBad Left Hook — Raymond Muratalla vacates title, IBF orders Andy Cruz vs Artur Subkhankulov
- 11:35 PMYahoo Sports — Raymond Muratalla vacates title, IBF orders Andy Cruz vs Artur Subkhankulov
"LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 01: The IBF lightweight title belt is displayed following a title fight between IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla and Robson Conceicao at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on August 01, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Muratalla retained his title by unanimous decision. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images) | Getty Images As expected, former IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla officially vacated the belt over the weekend ahead of a planned move to 140. Per Cesar Seda, the sanctioning body has given its top two contenders, Artur Subkhankulov and Andy Cruz, 30 days to hash out a vacant title fight and avoid a purse bid. Cruz (7-1, 4 KO), who lost an entertaining shootout with Muratalla in January, missed out on a final eliminator in June when Albert Bell withdrew at the eleventh hour. He wound up torching late replacement Abraham Montoya in three rounds and now finds himself in position to hop straight into a new title fight without the need for another pit stop. 34-year-old Subkhankulov (12-0, 6 KO) enjoyed a lengthy amateur career and is coming off a 12th-round stoppage of Tajik standout Bakhodur Usmonov. He actually fought Cruz to a split decision in the unpaid ranks back in 2019; he doesn’t have the highest profile, but he’s by no means another IBF Mandatory ™ handed a regional trinket and sent to die. He should make for a great rematch with Cruz; let’s hope their respective promoters are receptive to it.
"Former amateur rivals Andy Cruz and Artur Subkhankulov have the opportunity to meet for a vacant belt
Sources
External links- Bad Left HookSep 7, 2026, 11:35 PMRaymond Muratalla vacates title, IBF orders Andy Cruz vs Artur Subkhankulov
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 01: The IBF lightweight title belt is displayed following a title fight between IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla and Robson Conceicao at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on August 01, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Muratalla retained his title by unanimous decision. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images) | Getty Images As expected, former IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla officially vacated the belt over the weekend ahead of a planned move to 140. Per Cesar Seda, the sanctioning body has given its top two contenders, Artur Subkhankulov and Andy Cruz, 30 days to hash out a vacant title fight and avoid a purse bid. Cruz (7-1, 4 KO), who lost an entertaining shootout with Muratalla in January, missed out on a final eliminator in June when Albert Bell withdrew at the eleventh hour. He wound up torching late replacement Abraham Montoya in three rounds and now finds himself in position to hop straight into a new title fight without the need for another pit stop. 34-year-old Subkhankulov (12-0, 6 KO) enjoyed a lengthy amateur career and is coming off a 12th-round stoppage of Tajik standout Bakhodur Usmonov. He actually fought Cruz to a split decision in the unpaid ranks back in 2019; he doesn’t have the highest profile, but he’s by no means another IBF Mandatory ™ handed a regional trinket and sent to die. He should make for a great rematch with Cruz; let’s hope their respective promoters are receptive to it.
- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 11:35 PMRaymond Muratalla vacates title, IBF orders Andy Cruz vs Artur Subkhankulov
Former amateur rivals Andy Cruz and Artur Subkhankulov have the opportunity to meet for a vacant belt
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