Andy Cruz Eyes World Title Shot in IBF Eliminator at MSG
Andy Cruz is done waiting—and now he’s one big win away from a shot at lightweight gold.
The Cuban standout will square off against Japan’s Hironori Mishiro in an IBF title eliminator on Saturday, June 14, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York. The bout headlines the undercard of Richardson Hitchins’ IBF junior welterweight title defense against George Kambosos Jr., live on DAZN.
Cruz (5-0, 2 KOs) is already ranked No. 3 by the IBF, with the top two slots currently vacant. A win over Mishiro could punch his ticket to a world title opportunity—and send a loud message to the rest of the 135-pound division.
“I’ve put in the hard work and dedication, and I can’t wait to step into the ring again,” Cruz said. “This fight isn’t just about winning; it’s about showing my people the passion I have for the sport.”
Mishiro (17-1-1, 6 KOs), ranked No. 5 by the IBF, isn’t coming to play tourist. The former Japanese lightweight champ is making his U.S. debut and sees Cruz as the perfect high-profile scalp.
“I’ve fought as the underdog before,” Mishiro said. “I look forward to making another big upset on June 14th.”
The main event may feature Hitchins vs. Kambosos, but the undercard is brimming with stories—and stakes.
Canadian heavyweight Alexis Barriere (12-0, 10 KOs) takes on Roney Hines (14-0-1, 8 KOs) for the vacant WBC Continental Americas title in a battle of the unbeatens. Barriere recently inked a co-promotional deal with Matchroom and Groupe Yvon Michel and is training under SugarHill Steward in Florida.
“The bigger the challenge, the better I perform,” said Barriere. “I’m ready for this.”
Meanwhile, Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (17-0, 16 KOs) continues his fast climb at 140 pounds, facing Jonathan Montrel (19-3, 13 KOs) for both the IBF North American and WBC Continental Americas titles. Mercado made a brutal statement back in January, stopping former champ Jose Pedraza in just four rounds.
Now, he’s targeting even bigger names—and throwing shots along the way.
“It’s time to give New York some real entertainment,” Mercado said. “I’m coming for your bum champion you guys got.”
The card also shines a light on boxing’s future.
Zaquin Moses (3-0, 2 KOs) opens the DAZN broadcast in a four-rounder at super featherweight against Carl Rogers (3-2).
Pablo “Pretty Boy” Valdez (9-0, 8 KOs) fights in front of his hometown crowd at welterweight, facing Cesar Diaz (9-1, 4 KOs) over eight rounds.
Indian Olympian Nishant Dev (1-0, 1 KO) returns after a first-round KO win on debut in Vegas, now facing Josue Silva (3-2, 1 KO) over six rounds.
British teenage bantamweight Adam Maca makes his pro debut on the Before the Bell portion of the card, getting a dream start in New York.
