Cuba secured only one spot in the world boxing Olympic qualifiers held in Bangkok, Thailand, leaving just five Cuban boxers to represent the country at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
The last opportunity fizzled out this Saturday when world silver medalist Fernando Arzola (over 92 kilograms) lost by a split decision (2-3) to Ecuadorian Gerlon Gilmar Congo, following a controversial ruling by the judges, according to the digital site JIT.
"The decision was deemed unfair by the coaches present in the Thai capital, who highlighted Arzola's stronger finish and his opponent's decline, deserving a protective count in the final round," reported the official media of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER).
Thus, the largest island in the Antilles celebrated only the ticket of world silver medalist Erislandy Álvarez (63.5 kg), as Jorge Cuéllar (71 kg) and Yaquelín Estornell (66 kg) also failed in their attempts.
For the first time in over five decades, Cuban boxing will attend the Olympic Games with fewer than seven boxers. Prior to the program in Asia, the star boxers Julio César La Cruz (92 kg) and Arlen López (80 kg), world number two Saidel Horta (57 kg), and third-ranked Alejandro Claro (51 kg) had already secured their spots.
La Cruz and López, champions in Rio de Janeiro 2016 and Tokyo 2020, are among the nation's top golden prospects in the French competition, scheduled from July 26 to August 11.
In the Japanese capital, Cuba featured seven fighters across eight divisions and celebrated four gold medals and a bronze. However, only the mentioned La Cruz and López will repeat from that team.
This is due to Roniel Iglesias being out of this cycle, while Andy Cruz left the country two years ago and now competes in professional boxing. Lázaro Álvarez, third in Japan, is not in the coaches' plans despite recently winning the national tournament.
So far, Cuba boasts 41 athletes qualified for Paris 2024, following the outstanding performances of sprinters Shainer Reginfo and Reinaldo Espinosa at the Ciudad de Salamanca Athletics Trophy 2024 in Spain.
Both runners surpassed the minimum mark (10.00) required by World Athletics and ranked among the top in the world for the 100 meters this season, a highly positive news.
With the multi-decorated wrestler Mijaín López as the flag bearer, INDER aims to win five gold medals in Paris 2024 and finish among the top 25 nations in the final standings.
Cuban Boxing Olympic Qualifiers: Key Questions Answered
As Cuba faces a challenging road to Paris 2024 with fewer boxers qualifying for the Olympics, here are some key questions and answers to understand the current situation.
How many Cuban boxers have qualified for Paris 2024?
Currently, five Cuban boxers have qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Why was Fernando Arzola's match controversial?
The match was controversial due to a split decision by the judges, which many coaches present deemed unfair, highlighting Arzola's stronger finish and his opponent's decline.
Who are Cuba's top prospects for gold in Paris 2024?
Cuba's top prospects for gold include Julio César La Cruz and Arlen López, both champions in previous Olympics.