Cruz Vs Mishiro: High-Stakes Battle For IBF Title Shot On DAZN

Boxing fans are in for a treat this summer as one of the sport’s brightest new stars takes a major step toward a world title. On June 14, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Cruz vs Mishiro will take center stage as Andy Cruz squares off against Hironori Mishiro in an IBF lightweight title eliminator. This means the winner becomes the official challenger for the IBF world title.

The fight is set to be the co-main event on a loaded DAZN card, headlined by Brooklyn’s own Richardson Hitchins, who defends his IBF junior welterweight title against former unified lightweight champ George Kambosos Jr.

But make no mistake: the Cruz vs. Mishiro bout might just steal the show.

Cruz’s Meteoric Rise from Olympic Gold to Pro Contender

When Andy Cruz stepped out of the Tokyo Olympics with a gold medal in 2021, many believed he was destined for greatness. Fast forward to 2025, and the Cuban-born, U.S.-based fighter is proving them right.

He’s 5-0 with 2 knockouts so far in the pro ranks, having only turned professional in July 2023. Despite his limited number of pro bouts, he’s already ranked No. 3 by the IBF at lightweight—and that says a lot about how quickly he’s climbed the ladder.

His last outing came in January, where he easily outclassed the once-20-1 Omar Salcido in a wide unanimous decision. That performance cemented him as a real threat in the 135-pound division.

But getting people to fight him hasn’t been easy.

“We need to get [Cruz] mandatory, ’cause no one’s gonna fight him,” said promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing in an interview last month. In other words, this eliminator isn’t just a chance—it’s a necessity.

Mishiro’s Comeback Journey

Standing across from Cruz on June 14 will be Hironori Mishiro, a seasoned 30-year-old from Japan with a record of 17-1-1 (6 KOs). While not as flashy as Cruz, Mishiro brings grit, experience, and a recent wave of momentum.

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His only loss was a technical decision in April 2023 due to a cut, and since then, he’s been on a roll—winning five straight. Most recently, he scored a stoppage victory over Hinata Maruta, a solid opponent with only two prior losses.

Mishiro knows this might be his last big chance to make a run at a world title. Ranked No. 5 by the IBF, a win over Cruz would catapult him into the top of the division and shake up the entire title picture.

And don’t expect him to back down. Mishiro isn’t traveling halfway across the world just to play second fiddle.

What’s at Stake

This isn’t just a regular fight—it’s a gateway to a world title.

The IBF currently recognizes Vasiliy Lomachenko as its lightweight champion. He’s recovering from injury, but the sanctioning body has given him time to heal without stripping the belt. He’s expected to return before October 8, and when he does, he’ll be obligated to face Raymond Muratalla, who recently picked up the interim IBF belt.

That leaves the Cruz-Mishiro winner right on the doorstep. If things move quickly, Cruz or Mishiro could find themselves in a title fight before the end of 2025.

And in a division as deep as lightweight—where names like Devin Haney, Shakur Stevenson, and Gervonta Davis hover near the top—this is a golden opportunity to break through the noise.

Source: Andy Cruz-Hironori Mishiro elimination bout set for June 14 in New York City

A Loaded Undercard on DAZN

Beyond the co-main and main events, Matchroom has packed this card with talent from top to bottom.

Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (17-0, 16 KOs), one of the most exciting young punchers in the sport, will face Jonathan Montrel (19-3, 13 KOs) in a junior welterweight bout. Mercado, who was named BoxingScene’s 2023 Prospect of the Year, continues his march toward title contention.
Alexis Barriere (12-0, 10 KOs) and Roney Hines (14-0-1, 8 KOs) will clash in a battle of undefeated heavyweights. With knockout power on both sides, expect fireworks in this one.
Zaquin Moses (3-0, 2 KOs) will take on Carl Rogers (3-2) in a junior lightweight fight, while Pablo Valdez (9-0, 8 KOs) faces Cesar Diaz (9-1, 4 KOs) in what could be a thrilling welterweight scrap.
Rising Indian prospect Nishant Dev (1-0, 1 KO) will return to the ring against Josue Silva (3-2, 1 KO) in a junior middleweight bout.
Also, bantamweight newcomer Adam Maca is set to make his professional debut, although his opponent hasn’t been confirmed yet.

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This card isn’t just deep—it’s got something for every type of boxing fan.

Cruz vs Mishiro: High-Stakes Battle for IBF Title Shot on DAZN

Final Thoughts: Will Cruz Prove He’s the Future

All eyes will be on Andy Cruz come June 14. Is he truly the next big thing at lightweight, or is Mishiro the man who will expose the gaps that a short pro career can’t hide?

Cruz has looked untouchable so far, with footwork and instincts that seem far more advanced than his five fights suggest. But Mishiro is no rookie—he’s fought solid opposition and is hungry for his own shot at the big time.

It’s a classic matchup of talent vs. experience, flash vs. fundamentals, rising star vs. seasoned underdog.

In a sport that often waits too long to deliver meaningful fights, this one has urgency baked in. Someone is walking out of Madison Square Garden as the IBF’s top contender. The other? Back to the drawing board.