Andy Cruz, whose distinguished amateur career included Olympic boxing gold for Cuba in Tokyo, ended his pro ring career on Saturday with a unanimous decision victory over Mexico’s Juan Carlos Burgos familiar
Cruz looked sharp over the 10 rounds scheduled at the Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan, displaying the speed and footwork that has seen him dominate the lightweight ranks.
Two judges scored it 100-90 and the third saw it 98-92 as Cruz got his first win in the books against a fighter who has challenged twice for a world title.
Burgos, who fell to 35-9 with three draws and 21 knockouts, was never stopped, and Cruz’s promoter Eddie Hearn said he didn’t expect Cruz to knock him out.
In fact, he was happy that the young pro got 10 “hard rounds” under his belt.
“I think the most impressive thing is how aggressive he’s been throughout the fight,” Hearn told broadcaster DAZN.
In addition to his gold medal during the pandemic that delayed the 2021 Tokyo Games, Cruz was a three-time amateur world champion.
He chose to leave Cuba last year to pursue his professional fortune. The Cuban Boxing Federation said last June that he had been caught trying to leave the country illegally.
In May he was pulled from making his debut with other Cuban fighters in Mexico after the Cuban federation accused him of neglecting his training.
By November, Cruz was on his way out of the country, telling ESPN that he had left Cuba “legally” and was ready to write a new chapter in his career.
Hearn thought he was well ahead.
“Still work to do, but a beautiful start tonight,” Hearn said.
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