Andy Cruz Looks to Continue Winning Streak at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK CITY, New York — Andy Cruz is set to fight Hironori Mishiro in a 12-round IBF lightweight title eliminator tonight at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. The 2020 Olympic gold medalist, who boasts a record of 5-0 with 2 KOs, aims to extend his winning streak against Mishiro, who holds a 17-1-1 record.

Cruz’s trainer, Derek ‘Bozy’ Ennis, expressed confidence in Cruz’s ability to win, highlighting that it would mark Cruz’s fifth consecutive victory over Keyshawn Davis if a matchup materializes in the future. “We would love that fight,” said Ennis about a potential clash with Davis. “It ain’t nothing personal.” While Davis has shown no interest in facing Cruz, Ennis believes a bout between the two would be highly competitive.

Ennis noted that both fighters have evolved since their amateur days. “Andy, don’t fight the same either. He’s defensively smart and slick,” he said. Cruz’s technical skills have impressed Ennis during their two-year collaboration following Cruz’s turn to professional boxing in 2023.

Tonight’s main event features IBF light welterweight Richardson Hitchins defending his title against George Kambosos Jr. In preliminary results earlier, heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana knocked out Aleem Whitfield, and Zaquin Moses overcame Carl Rogers in a fourth-round TKO.

Despite Mishiro’s impressive ranking, he has yet to face an opponent of Cruz’s caliber. Ennis remarked, “The only thing I can see is his jab. Other than that, Andy will be victorious in this fight.” While Mishiro has power, fighting against Cruz presents a significant step up in competition.

As the boxing world anticipates tonight’s card, Cruz’s performance could pave the way for a title shot against current IBF champion Raymond Muratalla. Ennis summed up his expectation saying, “It should be a good fight. You can’t take nothing away from it. Anything can happen in boxing.”