Bell (28-0, 9 KOs) has spent years waiting for a breakthrough opportunity and made it clear on social media that he intends to make the most of it.
“What’s delayed is not denied,” Bell said on Instagram. “I finally get my opportunity to show the world, what a lot of us been knew, and what the masses will soon find out about me.”
The 33-year-old enters the fight unbeaten but largely untested at the highest level. Cruz is expected to be favored by many observers due to his amateur pedigree and recent experience against elite opposition.
Cruz (6-1, 3 KOs), a 2020 Olympic gold medalist and The Ring’s No. 4-ranked lightweight, is also fighting with plenty at stake. In January, he dropped a majority decision to Muratalla in a bout for the vacant IBF lightweight title.
Rather than sending Cruz to the back of the line, the IBF gave him another route back into contention by matching him with Bell in a final eliminator.
Bell appears unfazed by the challenge in front of him.
“I’m that!” Bell said. “You’ll see what I mean by that July 18th.”
A victory would be the biggest of Bell’s career and place him one win away from a world title. For Cruz, the bout represents an opportunity to earn another shot at Muratalla and erase the disappointment of his lone professional defeat.
