Raymond Muratalla doesn't doubt Andy Cruz's capabilities.

The unbeaten IBF lightweight champion considers Cruz a credible contender who will present plenty of challenges in their 12-round, 135-pound championship match. Muratalla even believes that the 2021 Olympic gold medalist will win a world title someday.

Based on how a patient Muratalla methodically developed from a prospect into a contender and eventually became a titleholder, however, he doesn't think Cruz is ready for the type of resistance the confident Cuban will encounter Saturday night at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Cruz became the mandatory challenger for Muratalla's championship by winning just his sixth professional fight seven months ago. Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs), of Fontana, California, has almost four times as much pro experience as the fast-tracked Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs).

Cruz is still the betting favorite, 2-1 according to DraftKings, yet Muratalla is certain Cruz hasn't faced anyone as strong or talented as him since Cruz turned pro 2½ years ago.

"I think it's a huge step up for him," Muratalla told The Ring.

"I think for him, it’s gonna be a problem. I think it's too soon for him, just to deal with the type of pressure I put on the mind. So, I think it's gonna be too much for him and see me breaking him down in the later rounds. There's definitely a chance I can stop him. My power speaks for itself, so I think with the right shot, I could definitely stop him."

Cruz beat Keyshawn Davis by split decision in the lightweight final at the Tokyo Summer Olympics in August 2021. Muratalla is unquestionably the most imposing opponent he'll have fought since then.

The 30-year-old Cruz stopped Japan's Hironori Mishiro (17-2-1, 6 KOs) in the fifth round of their IBF elimination match June 14 in New York to earn his shot at Muratalla's title.

"I think it's gonna be a good fight," Muratalla said. "I think he's good. He's a good boxer, knows how to move around the ring. I just don't think he's ever faced an opponent like me, with my mindset, my type of drive, just going out there and winning. So I think it’s gonna be a good fight, but I'm definitely gonna get that win."

Muratalla's 12-round, unanimous points victory over Russia's Zaur Abdullaev (21-2, 13 KOs) earned him the IBF interim lightweight crown May 10 in San Diego. The IBF removed the interim tag from Muratalla's title when former champ Vasiliy Lomachenko informed the New Jersey-based sanctioning organization that he decided to retire.

As much as Cruz craves adding a world title to his resume, a motivated Muratalla also seeks a signature win that’ll enhance the 29-year-old champion's standing within his division.

"I think just the name he has and the Olympic background he has, it'll be good to add on my resume," Muratalla said. "It'll definitely allow me to get better fights in the future, and that's what I’m hoping for."

DAZN’s coverage of the card headlined by Muratalla-Cruz is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). Khalil Coe (10-1-1, 8 KOs), a light heavyweight from Jersey City, New Jersey, will face Philadelphia's Jesse Hart (31-3, 25 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature.