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 the 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 his man to go out there and do what he does best.
“They're gonna see Andy put on a beautiful show,” Ennis told YSM Sports Media.
Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs) will enter the ring 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 then began chasing unifications. Ultimately, though, the IBF mandated him to face the former 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.
All in all, Ennis loves what he sees from his 30-year-old up-and-coming star. From his point of view, Cruz was a great amateur who is evolving into a great pro as a result of his talent and hard work.
“I’m really satisfied,” Ennis said. “I didn’t take what he already had. I just added on.”