Arlen López, Cuba's two-time Olympic champion, triumphed unanimously (5-0) over Turkey's Kaan Aykutsun in his debut in the 80-kilogram boxing category at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Tuesday.
López secured his spot in the quarterfinals after winning the judges' ballots, although the 22-year-old Aykutsun put up a good fight and showcased his skills in the art of boxing. The Guantanamo native, who claimed titles in Tokyo 2020 and Rio de Janeiro 2016, is aiming to become the fourth boxer to win three times at the world's premier multi-sport event. It's worth noting that his compatriot Julio César la Cruz was pursuing the same goal but fell short in his debut on French soil.
Historically, this feat has only been achieved by Hungary's Laszlo Papp (1948, 1952, 1956) and Cubans Teófilo Stevenson (1972, 1976, 1980) and Félix Savón (1992, 1996, 2000).
Both López and "La Sombra" are set to headline the "Night of Champions" card, marking the return of professional boxing to the largest of the Antilles on August 27. The evening will feature a tantalizing array of fights, with the main event being the bout between La Cruz and Cuban-born Spaniard Enmanuel Reyes, while Arlen will face Belarus' Aliaksei Alfiorau. In both cases, the belts of the International Boxing Association (IBA) will be on the line, as the organization will host the event.
Regarding Paris 2024, the Caribbean island also has young talents like Alejandro Claro (51 kg), Saydel Orta (57 kg), and Erislandy Álvarez (63.5 kg) still in competition.
Arlen López and Cuban Boxers in Paris 2024
Here are some frequently asked questions about Arlen López's performance and the participation of Cuban boxers in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Who is Arlen López?
Arlen López is a Cuban boxer who has won two Olympic gold medals, in Tokyo 2020 and Rio de Janeiro 2016. He is aiming for his third Olympic title at the Paris 2024 Games.
How did Arlen López perform in his first match at Paris 2024?
Arlen López won his first match at Paris 2024 by unanimous decision (5-0) against Turkey's Kaan Aykutsun, securing his place in the quarterfinals.
Which other Cuban boxers are competing in Paris 2024?
Besides Arlen López, Cuba has Alejandro Claro (51 kg), Saydel Orta (57 kg), and Erislandy Álvarez (63.5 kg) still in competition at Paris 2024.