When everything appeared to be heading toward a deal, negotiations between Andy Cruz and Albert “Prince” Bell suddenly hit the ropes. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) officially ordered a purse bid for the lightweight eliminator between the Cuban standout and the unbeaten American, a high-stakes clash that will determine the next mandatory challenger at 135 pounds.
The news was first reported by César Seda. Shortly afterward, I obtained access to the letter issued on May 7, 2026, by IBF president Daryl Peoples, confirming that both parties failed to reach an agreement within the allotted negotiation window. As a result, the fight has officially been sent to purse bid proceedings, scheduled for May 18 at noon at the organization’s headquarters.
Cruz, the Cuban Olympic gold medalist widely viewed as one of the slickest and most technically gifted operators in the lightweight division, is now looking to fight his way back into title contention after suffering the first loss of his professional career against Raymond Muratalla earlier this year in Las Vegas. Despite the awkward style matchup and Bell’s significant physical advantages, Cruz’s team sees the fight as the fastest route back into the championship picture and potentially toward a future rematch with Muratalla.
Bell (28-0, 9 KOs), meanwhile, enters unbeaten and carrying the type of veteran consistency that has kept him firmly planted in the IBF rankings for years. The Toledo, Ohio native may not be the biggest name in the division, but his length, southpaw stance, and disciplined approach inside the ring make him a difficult assignment for any lightweight contender looking to climb the ladder.
In conversations with people close to Cruz’s camp, I was able to confirm that there is still interest from both sides in finalizing a deal before the scheduled purse bid date. One of the scenarios currently being explored would place the bout on a Matchroom Boxing card on the West Coast of the United States in mid July, with Saturday, July 18 emerging as one of the leading target dates.
The fight represents a meaningful development in one of boxing’s deepest and most talent-rich divisions. The winner would lock down the No. 1 contender position in the IBF rankings and move into mandatory position for a shot at current champion Raymond Muratalla, who is still expected to receive one voluntary defense before being required to face his mandatory challenger.
It is worth noting that the eliminator was originally ordered in February 19 , when both camps informed the sanctioning body of their willingness to move forward with negotiations.