With a masterful performance in the ring, Cuban boxer Erislandy Álvarez triumphed on Wednesday by a split decision over French contender Sofiane Oumiha (3-2) to achieve Olympic glory in the 63.5-kilogram category at the Paris 2024 Games.
In the iconic Stade Roland Garros, the Cienfuegos-born fighter was a relentless punching machine, exposing the defensive weaknesses of local favorite Oumiha, who previously won silver in Rio de Janeiro 2016 and is a three-time world champion (2017, 2021, 2023). Álvarez, intense and furious, controlled the distance with precision, avenging his previous loss at the World Championships. From start to finish, he was the standout athlete in the division at the Olympic Games.
This victory extends Cuba's streak of gold medals in boxing, which dates back to Beijing 2008. The last time the island nation won only two medals was in Mexico 1968, when Enrique Regüeiferos and Rolando Garbey secured silver.
The 23-year-old's legendary performance elevated Cuba to 21st place in the overall medal standings, following the gold medal win by Mijaín López, silver by Yusneylis Guzmán, and bronze medals by Arlen López and Gabriel Rosillo.
Notably, López fell short in his quest for a third Olympic title, a result that gained more attention given the early elimination of boxing team captain Julio César la Cruz in his debut on French soil. The history books will remember their missed opportunities to join the exclusive club of triple Olympic champions in boxing, which includes Hungarian Laszlo Papp (1948, 1952, 1956) and Cubans Teófilo Stevenson (1972, 1976, 1980) and Félix Savón (1992, 1996, 2000).
Insights on Erislandy Álvarez's Olympic Victory
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding Erislandy Álvarez's remarkable performance and the broader context of Cuban boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Who did Erislandy Álvarez defeat to win gold in Paris 2024?
Erislandy Álvarez defeated French boxer Sofiane Oumiha by a split decision (3-2) to win gold in the 63.5-kilogram category.
How did Cuba perform overall in boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Cuba secured a gold medal by Erislandy Álvarez, a gold by Mijaín López, a silver by Yusneylis Guzmán, and bronze medals by Arlen López and Gabriel Rosillo, placing Cuba 21st in the overall medal standings.
What historical significance does Álvarez's victory hold for Cuban boxing?
Álvarez's victory continues Cuba's streak of Olympic golds in boxing since Beijing 2008, highlighting the country's enduring prowess in the sport.