[23][24] On July 15, 2023, Cruz made his professional boxing debut against former two-time world championship challenger Juan Carlos Burgos (35–7–3, 21 KOs) in a 10-round bout at the Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan.

[28][29][30] Cruz was announced to be defending his IBF International lightweight title against Hector Tanajara Jr. (21–1–1, 6 KOs) on December 9, 2023, in a 10-round bout as an undercard fight for Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis.

[41] The ten-round contest took place as an undercard bout for the main event between Edgar Berlanga and Padraig McCrory on February 24, 2024, at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.

[46][47] Cruz defended his titles by knockout after the referee stopped the contest in round seven after Moran lost control of his footing after a sharp right hand.

[53] Cruz was scheduled to defend his IBF International lightweight title against Omar Salcido (20–1, 14 KOs) at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in Paradise, Nevada on January 25, 2025.