If you took a look at Andy Cruz’s resume, you might find it confusing that he’s competing for a world title in his next fight.

The 30-year-old Cuban has only six pro bouts under his belt and hasn't fought anyone of note. However, he had the kind of amateur career that leads to early opportunities, with a reported 140 wins (against single-digit defeats) and a gold medal in the 2020 Olympics.

Cruz is trained by Derek “Bozy” Ennis, whose son, Jaron Ennis, is one of the best in the business. The younger Ennis told Matchroom Boxing that he was taken aback the first time he saw Cruz up close.

“The first time I saw him in here sparring, I’m like, 'He’s going to be a nasty pro, a nasty world champion,'” Ennis said.

Cruz will first have to get through IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla on January 24 at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas (on DAZN) to fulfill Ennis' prophecy.

Muratalla will be defending his strap for the first time since he was elevated from interim to full-fledged champion last June.

Cruz is coming off a dominating victory over Hironori Mishiro in June, stopping him in five rounds. He's favored to beat Muratalla in spite of his lack of professional experience, which Jaron Ennis doesn't believe will be a factor.

“Andy's been ready for a title shot,” Ennis said. “He's got a lot of amateur experience, and he knows how to carry himself. Everything he did in the amateurs carried over to the pros.

"He can achieve whatever he wants to achieve in the sport. It’s his mind, his IQ. He got a great mind, a great IQ.”