Erislandy Álvarez from Cienfuegos delivered Cuba's first medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics this Thursday, after triumphing over Thailand's Bunjong Sinsiri and securing his spot in the semifinals of the 63.5 kg Olympic boxing category.
Álvarez, who was the world runner-up in Tashkent 2023, exhibited dominance from start to finish to clinch the bronze medal. He gave Sinsiri a boxing masterclass, winning unanimously (5-0) from the judges at the Paris North Arena.
"Now it's time to change the color of the medal. I'm going for the gold because that's what I want," Álvarez told the press in statements published on Facebook. The boxer achieved his third victory in the event, having previously won by technical knockout against Papua New Guinea's John Ume and then defeating Algeria's Jugurtha Ait Bekka.
His next match will be against Georgia's Lasha Guruli. With this victory, Cuba keeps three of its boxers in the competition, as Alejandro Claro (51 kg) and two-time Olympic champion Arlen López (80 kg) still have chances. Previously, Julio César la Cruz (92 kg) and Saidel Horta (57 kg) were eliminated.
López is aiming to become the fourth boxer to win the top multi-sport event on three occasions. It's worth noting that La Cruz was pursuing the same goal, but fell short. Historically, only Hungary's Laszlo Papp (1948, 1952, 1956) and Cubans Teófilo Stevenson (1972, 1976, 1980) and Félix Savón (1992, 1996, 2000) have achieved this feat.
Key Highlights of Erislandy Álvarez's Achievement at Paris 2024
Below are some frequently asked questions about Erislandy Álvarez's remarkable performance and its significance for Cuban boxing.
Who is Erislandy Álvarez?
Erislandy Álvarez is a Cuban boxer from Cienfuegos, known for his recent achievements in the 63.5 kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
What was Álvarez's major accomplishment at Paris 2024?
Álvarez secured Cuba's first medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics by defeating Bunjong Sinsiri and advancing to the semifinals.
What are Álvarez's future goals in the competition?
Álvarez aims to win the gold medal at Paris 2024, having already secured a spot in the semifinals.
Which other Cuban boxers are still in the competition?
Alejandro Claro (51 kg) and Arlen López (80 kg) are still competing, with López aiming for his third Olympic gold.