The quickly-developing lightweight title picture's first domino of 2026 will fall on January 24 when IBF champion Raymond Muratalla meets Andy Cruz at Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.

Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs) is set to defend the title he landed last year for the first time when facing Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs) to headline a Matchroom Boxing show live exclusively on DAZN.

Eddie Hearn has long lauded the 2020 Olympics gold medalist Cruz and was gung-ho to deliver the opportunity for the mandatory challenger he promotes by securing an $888,888 purse bid.

The fight's winner can position themselves to possibly be the divisional king by year's end.

"I was born for these types of events," Cruz said during a press conference. "We have our sights set on all of the titles. This is my first opportunity against Muratalla, who's a great, strong fighter. He's not the champion by chance, and we'll go out and put on a great show. I'll show everyone why I've gotten this far, and it's not by coincidence.”

Muratalla, a 29-year-old from Southern California coached by reigning Trainer of the Year Robert Garcia, won the IBF interim title in May when he beat Zaur Abdullaev by unanimous decision. The sanctioning body elevated Muratalla as the full champion after Vasiliy Lomachenko announced his retirement.

"This is the kind of fight that needed to happen," said Muratalla. "It's great for both of our careers, and good for boxing. My mindset is different right now. I am here to take over."

Muratalla isn't concerned about Cruz's tremendous amateur pedigree. In fact, he believes the Cuban's lack of professional experience will be his downfall.

"He's just a good boxer, plain and simple; everyone could see that," said Muratalla. "I think [my significant experience in the pros] is going to play a role. He hasn't fought anyone before at my level. Once I enter the ring, everything just clicks and connects for me. He's going to feel that early on. I wanted to get this belt to make these fights happen, and even bigger fights after this."

The 135-pound title picture is currently in flux as WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson moves up to 140 pounds next week to face The Ring and WBO champion Teofimo Lopez.

Gervonta Davis, the WBA champion, had an arrest warrant issued last week in connection with domestic violence allegations, and the sanctioning body will likely make a move soon regarding his status as a beltholder.

WBO champion Abdullah Mason, the sport’s youngest male titleholder at 21, is coming off a gutsy unanimous decision win against Sam Noakes and appears headed toward a defense against mandatory challenger Joe Cordina.

The Ring title is vacant, but the bout between the No. 3-ranked Muratalla and No. 5-rated Cruz still carries considerably high stakes.

Cruz, 30, is coming off a fifth-round stoppage win against Hironori Mishiro in June and contends that Muratalla had been dodging the difficult dance ever since, claiming he signed his end of the contract to make the fight happen for November.

"We didn't get an answer from the other side," said Cruz. "I think it was plain to see. The fight was brewing for a while. If he says he didn't receive a contract, I'm not sure. To be honest, from the outset I think he didn't [want the fight]. I'm coming in to take it all.”

Muratalla meanwhile, maintains he’s the class of the division.

"He doesn't know what is coming, which is good on my end," Muratalla continued. "It will be a surprise to him. I feel like I can do whatever is going to work to get the win. I'm best at adapting to styles. I'm ready for it all."

During the pre-fight buildup, Cruz appeared relaxed for his first title shot, showing off salsa moves before crushing pads with stablemate Jaron Ennis at coach Derek "Bozy" Ennis' Philadelphia training compound.

"I'm a fighter who operates based on the way the fight is playing out. I dance to that tune," Cruz said. "Each fighter has their talent. their ring IQ and I feel that my biggest strength is in my mind and intelligence in the ring.

"I feel that I've faced all types of fighters. I'm sure he's never faced a fighter with my ability and level in the ring. In a boxing ring, anything can happen. I will win this fight by any means, but I do feel that I will stop him."