Derek “Bozy” Ennis can’t wait to see one of his young pupils shine on the big stage.
The moment
Andy Cruz has been waiting for is scheduled to arrive on January 24, when he challenges IBF lightweight titleholder
Raymond Muratalla at Fontainebleau in Las Vegas in the Cuban's seventh pro fight.
Although Ennis respects considers Muratalla a terrific fighter, when the opening bell rings, the longtime trainer expects Cruz to excel.
“They're gonna see Andy put on a beautiful show,” Ennis told YSM Sports Media.
Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs) will enter as an underdog for the first time in his career despite beating Zaur Abdullaev for the interim title on May 10, after which he was elevated to full champion upon the retirement of Vasiliy Lomachenko. Muratalla began chasing unifications. The IBF mandated him to face the two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Ennis has guided Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs) to one lopsided victory after another. That includes his most recent win, a
fifth-round knockout of Hironori Mishiro in June.
Ennis loves what he sees from his 30-year-old up-and-coming star. Cruz was a great amateur who has potential to become a great pro.
“I’m really satisfied,” Ennis said. “I didn’t take what he already had. I just added on.”