IBF orders Andy Cruz vs. Artur Subkhankulov for vacant lightweight title

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has ordered a bout between Andy Cruz and Artur Subkhankulov for the vacant lightweight championship title. The title became available following Raymond Muratalla's decision to vacate the 135-pound belt to move up to the junior welterweight division.

Subkhankulov, currently ranked number one by the IBF, holds an undefeated professional record of 12-0 with six knockouts. Cruz, ranked number two, holds a record of 7-1 with four knockouts and is coming off a third-round stoppage victory against Abraham Montoya.

The two fighters have until October 7 to reach a negotiation agreement. If a deal is not reached within this timeframe, the fight will proceed to a purse bid to determine financial control of the matchup.