According to Boxingscene Albert Bell has accepted terms to face Andy Cruz after been ordered by the IBF to fight in an eliminator for the lightweight world title currently held by Raymond Muratalla.
Cruz (6-1, 3 KOs) was fast tracked toward a world title shot following gold medals at the the 2020 Olympic Games and the 2021 World Championships for Cuba. In just his seventh fight Cruz lost a majority-decision to Muratalla in his first world title shot in January at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.
Bell (28-0, 9 KOs) had been waiting some time for a world title shot at super featherweight, being highly ranked with the WBO, but decided to move up to lightweight last year. Signed with Vick Green, Bell has kept himself busy in his native Toledo, Ohio. The 33 year old defeated Keith Hunter by unanimous-decision to win the IBF international title, putting him in contention for a world title eliminator.
The fight is expected to land on a Matchroom show in either June or July. A win would set up a clash with champion Muratalla, who is allowed a voluntary ahead of facing his mandatory.
Bell and Cruz sit in third and fourth position with the IBF, with first and second being vacant.
The lightweight division is currently in a state of change. Abdullah Mason became WBO champion, defeating Sam Noakes by unanimous-decision last November. The WBC title is currently vacant and Gervonta Davis has been declared “champion in recess” by the WBA.
