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Andy Cruz vs. Hironori Mishiro: Preview & Betting Tips

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | By Jake Staniland | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 12:39 PM ET

This Saturday sees the fast-tracked Andy Cruz take on Hironori Mishiro in an IBF world title eliminator in the lightweight division.

Less than two years into his pro career, Cuba’s Andy Cruz (5-0, 2 KO’s) is already knocking on the door of a world title opportunity. The former Olympic gold medallist and decorated amateur, is considered one of the most technically gifted fighters in the lightweight division. He looks like a very difficult matchup even for top contenders like Keyshawn Davis, who notably avoided a rematch in the pros after losing four times to Cruz in the amateurs.

Japan’s Hironori Mishiro (17-1-1, 6 KO’s) will be fighting outside of Japan for the fourth time in his professional career. He enters this bout with a strong résumé built largely at super-featherweight before moving up. While capable and durable, on paper he lacks the elite tools to trouble an opponent of Cruz’s calibre.

Tale of the Tape

Andy Cruz – Odds 1.06 (Sky Bet)

Record: 5-0, 2 KO’s

Age: 29

Height: 5ft9

Reach: 70”

Weight: Lightweight

Stance: Orthodox

Hironori Mishiro – Odds 8.50 (Sky Bet)

Record: 17-1-1, 6 KO’s

Age: 30

Height: 5ft9

Reach: N/A

Weight: Lightweight

Stance: Orthodox

Andy Cruz vs Hironori Mishiro: Analysis

The Cuban’s elite amateur pedigree has translated flawlessly into the pro ranks thus far. While Cruz is yet to fight a 12-rounder, his gas tank is proven over ten rounds and his ring IQ allows him to control the tempo and range of where the fight is fought.

The only real negative about Cruz is his lack of knockout power, though his precision and speed can still force stoppages through accumulation of damage.

Mishiro is a capable boxer with a good chin and plenty of experience. However, his best hope is to turn this fight into a gritty and ugly physical contest. But against Cruz’s footwork and defensive reflexes, he could be left looking very silly in the squared circle.

Cruz vs Mishiro: Prediction & Betting Tips

To put it simply, I expect Andy Cruz to put on a boxing clinic on Saturday night. While Mishiro is no pushover and brings a wealth of experience, Cruz is simply operating on a far higher level technically.

A stoppage isn’t out of the question if Cruz starts to pile on the pressure and land unanswered combinations in the second half of the fight, but the more likely outcome is another dominant Cruz decision win.

The odds look good for Andy Cruz to win by decision or technical decision at odds of 1.91 (Sky Bet).

A dominant display from Cruz and a post-fight callout of Raymond Muratalla will set up an IBF world lightweight title fight perhaps later this year.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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