Cuban Boxer Erislandy Álvarez Eyes Olympic Gold After Second Victory

Following an impressive performance that positioned him close to a bronze medal, Cuban boxer Erislandy Álvarez announced on Monday that he feels ready to achieve Olympic glory in boxing at the Paris 2024 Games.

Álvarez, the world runner-up in the 63.5-kilogram division, secured a unanimous decision (5-0) against Algerian Jurgurtha Ait, who even received a protective count in the second round as the Cuban increased the pace of the fight.

“I believe I am in great shape and can become an Olympic champion, but we're here to enjoy and have fun in the ring,” Álvarez told the accredited press at the major multi-sport event.

The key to victory was following the guidance of my coaches, who helped us prepare to neutralize his height advantage,” reported the digital portal JIT in its account of the match.

The Cuban will be back in the ring this coming Thursday against Thai boxer Bunjong Sinsiri. The winner is guaranteed a spot on the podium and will continue on the path to the final in a weight class with a clear favorite: local fighter Sofiane Oumiha. The French boxer, a three-time world champion and silver medalist from Rio de Janeiro 2016, easily defeated Jordanian Obada Alkasbeh (5-0).

The good news is that the European and the Cuban are on separate paths and could only face each other in the gold medal bout.

After Julio César la Cruz suffered a setback in his first appearance, Cuban boxing is placing its hopes on the skills of two-time Olympic champion Arlen López (80 kg) and young prospect Alejandro Claro (51 kg) this Tuesday.

López will debut against Turkish fighter Kaan Aykutsun, while on the same card, Claro will face Brazilian Michael Trindade, who secured second place a few months ago at the Pan American Games in Santiago de Chile.