The 30-year-old has officially accepted the IBF’s invitation to face Albert Bell in a lightweight title eliminator. The winner would become the No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger for current beltholder Raymond Muratalla.

Initially, the sanctioning body ordered Bell to face No. 5-rated contender Lucas Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs). Instead, the surging Canadian declined their invitiation as he pursues other options, such as a potential WBA world title shot.

The top two spots remain vacant with the IBF's 135-pound rankings. The next two rated contenders, Floyd Schofield and Mark Magsayo, have other plans. Cruz was the next available option at No. 7 for Bell.

For the 2020 Olympic gold medalist, this is like a lifeline of sorts.

Although he didn't expect it, he’ll gladly take it. The Ring's No. 5 rated lightweight is still attempting to get over the close defeat he suffered against Muratalla on January 24, at Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.

While close, Cruz (6-1, 3 KOs) believed he did enough to eke out the win. Ultimately though, judge Max DeLuca scored it 114-114, while Tim Cheatham and Steve Weisfeld had it 118-110 and 116-112 in Muratalla's favor.

Before potentially forcing Muratalla's hand in a rematch, he'll have to successfully deal with another physical disadvantage against Bell, who stands four inches taller with a five-inch reach advantage.

The 33-year-old from Toledo, Ohio had an active 2025, picking up a pair of lopsided 10-round decision wins over Josec Ruiz and Keith Hunter.