Andy Cruz returns to No. 3 in IBF lightweight rankings

Andy Cruz has returned to the number three position in the IBF lightweight rankings. This movement follows a formal request from his team to correct a weight class error after the sanctioning body had previously moved him to the 130-pound division.

Cruz's representatives stated they did not ask for the initial weight change. The correction places him directly behind Artur Subkhankulov, who holds the number two spot with a professional record of 12-0 and six knockouts. The number one position in the lightweight division is currently vacant.

The ranking shift creates a potential path to a title shot for the Cuban. Current champion Raymond Muratalla has discussed moving up to the 140-pound light welterweight division to challenge champions there. If Muratalla vacates his lightweight belt, Cruz will be among the highest-ranked contenders available for the vacant title.

Subkhankulov, who turned professional in 2021, has maintained a fast pace through 12 professional bouts. He has gone ten rounds or more in seven of his last eight fights, including a 12th-round stoppage of Bakhodur Usmonov in April. His amateur background includes a quarterfinal loss to Keyshawn Davis at the 2018 Chemistry Cup.

A professional matchup between Cruz and Subkhankulov would be a rematch of their 2019 amateur semifinal at the Usti nad Labem Grand Prix, which Cruz won via split decision. While the IBF will decide how to fill the vacant championship, Cruz's position is strengthened by the potential departure of Muratalla and the vacancy at the top of the rankings.