Before heading to Bulgaria, Javier Ibáñez from Matanzas was seen as a rising star in the Cuban Boxing School. His performance in the junior categories was outstanding, and he quickly rose to fame after winning the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China. The year 2014 was perfect for the Calimete native: within just four months, he secured the championship and dominated the world junior championship in Sofia, a city he legally arrived in 2018.
With his impressive track record and Bulgaria's need for boxing talent, Ibáñez easily joined the national team. The training center was located at 2,050 meters above sea level and about 116 kilometers from the capital. His life change was accompanied by fellow Matanzas native Yordan Hernández, born in Los Arabos. Both shared several similarities: born in 1996, hailing from the same province, practicing boxing, and both rising stars who won major events within hours of each other.
However, something changed: Hernández is not representing Bulgaria in Paris 2024, but Ibáñez is. He aims to shine in the 57-kilogram division after completing his naturalization process in 2021. A few months ago, at the last World Boxing Championship in Uzbekistan, he reached the quarterfinals, narrowly missing a medal—a feat he achieved at the 2023 European Championship.
According to El Estornudo magazine, Ibáñez is currently trained by his compatriot Joel Soler, one of several Cuban coaches who have successfully led their athletes to qualify for the Olympics. In May, the Cuban boxer, standing 165 centimeters tall, demonstrated his skill by winning the European featherweight title under the IBA (International Boxing Association) in Madrid, defeating local boxer José Quiles. Known for his evasive maneuvers, quick movements, and precision at all ranges, Javier will be a tough competitor for anyone. At 28, he joins the ranks of Cubans representing other flags at the current Olympic Games.
Key Information About Javier Ibáñez and His Olympic Journey
The following questions and answers provide more insight into Javier Ibáñez's career and his path to the Paris 2024 Olympics under the Bulgarian flag.
Who is Javier Ibáñez?
Javier Ibáñez is a Cuban-born boxer from Matanzas, who has now become a member of the Bulgarian national boxing team. He was a standout in the Cuban Boxing School and has achieved significant success in international competitions.
What major achievements has Ibáñez accomplished?
Ibáñez won the Youth Olympic Games in 2014, dominated the world junior championship, and recently won the European featherweight title under the IBA in Madrid. He also reached the quarterfinals in the World Boxing Championship in Uzbekistan.
Why did Javier Ibáñez switch to representing Bulgaria?
Ibáñez moved to Bulgaria and took advantage of the opportunities available there due to Bulgaria's need for boxing talent. He completed his naturalization process in 2021 and now competes for Bulgaria in international competitions, including the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.