Andy Cruz steps into MSG eliminator with Mishiro — unbeaten Cuban eyes lightweight world title shot

Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz (5-0, 2 KOs) faces Japan’s Hironori Mishiro (17-1-1, 6 KOs) in an IBF lightweight title eliminator this Saturday, June 14, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The main card streams live worldwide on DAZN (10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 a.m. UK), serving as the co-feature to Richardson Hitchins vs. George Kambosos Jr.

The winner moves into prime position to fight for the vacant IBF 135lb belt — with both #1 and #2 slots currently empty.

Cuban sensation steps up — but Mishiro’s no tourist

Cruz, now based in Philly, enters his first New York scrap as the IBF’s highest-ranked contender at lightweight. With just five pro fights, he’s getting pushed hard — and he wants the world to take notice. “This fight isn’t just about winning,” Cruz said, “it’s about showing my people the passion I have for the sport.”

Mishiro isn’t showing up for a paycheck. The Japanese vet held a national title back home and walks into MSG looking to derail Cruz’s fast-track hype. “I have fought as the underdog many times,” he warned, “and I look forward to making another big upset on June 14.”

Both guys know what’s on the line. The winner likely bags a shot at the vacant IBF world title. The loser? Back to regional scraps and watching others headline.

Under-the-radar killers and loudmouths flood the undercard

The co-main isn’t the only eliminator on this card. Unbeaten Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (17-0, 16 KOs) — fresh off smashing Jose Pedraza in four — faces Jonathan Montrel (19-3, 13 KOs) for the IBF North American and WBC Continental Americas belts at 140. Mercado made it loud and clear: “It’s time to give New York some real entertainment… and I’m coming for your bum champion you guys got.”

In the heavyweight scrap, Canadian bruiser Alexis Barriere (12-0, 10 KOs) takes on Roney Hines (14-0-1, 8 KOs) for the WBC Continental Americas title. It’s an unbeaten-vs-unbeaten showdown, and Barriere’s trained by SugarHill — so expect bombs.

Also on the card:

• Zaquin Moses (3-0, 2 KOs) opens the main card with a 4-round super featherweight bout against Carl Rogers (3-2).

• Pablo Valdez (9-0, 8 KOs), a local New Yorker, returns at welterweight vs. Cesar Diaz (9-1, 4 KOs) over 8 rounds.

• Nishant Dev (1-0, 1 KO), India’s Olympic hope, faces Josue Silva (3-2, 1 KO) over 6 rounds at super welterweight.

• British teen Adam Maca makes his pro debut in a 4-round bantamweight opener.

• Before The Bell prelims start early and stream on DAZN’s YouTube channel.

Event Info

• Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025

• Venue: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

• Start Time: 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 a.m. UK

• Broadcaster: LIVE on DAZN

• Tickets: Ticketmaster.com

Main Fights

• Andy Cruz vs. Hironori Mishiro – 12 rounds, IBF lightweight title eliminator

• Richardson Hitchins (c) vs. George Kambosos Jr. – 12 rounds, IBF junior welterweight title

• Ernesto Mercado vs. Jonathan Montrel – 10 rounds, IBF North American and WBC Continental Americas titles

• Alexis Barriere vs. Roney Hines – 10 rounds, WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title

• Pablo Valdez vs. Cesar Diaz – 8 rounds, welterweight

• Nishant Dev vs. Josue Silva – 6 rounds, super welterweight

• Zaquin Moses vs. Carl Rogers – 4 rounds, super featherweight

• Adam Maca vs. TBA – 4 rounds, bantamweight