 In October 2008, Cruz would vacate his newfound IBO title and aim for a bigger prize - the IBF featherweight title - which had been recently vacated by Robert Guerrero who moved up to super featherweight.He faced fellow Mexican Orlando Salido who had won an eliminator less than a year previous and had fought for the title previously, losing to Juan Manuel Márquez in 2004, his only loss since 2001 and a no contest again Guerrero in 2006.Once again Cruz overcame the odds to defeat the bookies favourite to take one of the most prestigious titles in boxing by beating a battered and swollen Salido on points.