In a historic event marking the return of professional boxing to Cuba, local fighters dominated the so-called "Night of Champions" at the City Sports Coliseum in Havana, winning all six bouts. Organized by the International Boxing Association (IBA) as part of the activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first amateur world championship in 1974 at the same venue, the evening saw victories from Julio César la Cruz, Arlen López, Roniel Iglesias, Lázaro Álvarez, Saidel Orta, and Erislandy Álvarez, the Olympic champion of Paris 2024.
La Cruz (92 kilograms), a double Olympic champion in Rio de Janeiro 2016 and Tokyo 2020, claimed the IBA heavyweight belt after defeating Uzbek Madiyar Saydrakhimov without difficulty, winning by unanimous decision after 10 rounds. López (80 kg), also a two-time Olympic gold medalist, won the light heavyweight title by technical knockout (TKO) against Dominican José Luis Tejeda in the third round.
According to EFE news agency, the Guantanamo native was initially set to fight Belarusian Aliaksei Alfiorau, but the opponent was changed at the last minute without explanation from the IBA, and Tejeda's low quality was evident in the ring. Both La Cruz and López earned a substantial sum of $120,000 and now stand as champions in their respective categories within the organization.
Additionally, Erislandy (63.5 kg) easily defeated Colombian José Ignacio Muñoz, just as Saidel Horta (57 kg) and Lázaro Álvarez (63.5 kg) overcame Russian Ruslan Belousov and Uzbek Mujibillo Tursonov, respectively. The only bout that resulted in a split decision was the veteran Iglesias (69 kg), an Olympic champion in London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, as well as a bronze medalist in Beijing 2008, against Armenian Gurgen Madoyan.
After the revolution came to power in 1959, the late dictator Fidel Castro banned professional sports, and since then, the closest thing to professional boxing was the now-defunct World Series of Boxing, which featured only five-round bouts.
Key Questions About the Return of Professional Boxing to Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the significant return of professional boxing to Cuba and its implications.
Why was professional boxing banned in Cuba?
Professional boxing was banned in Cuba after the revolution in 1959, under the leadership of Fidel Castro, who prohibited all professional sports.
Who organized the "Night of Champions" event in Havana?
The "Night of Champions" event was organized by the International Boxing Association (IBA) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first amateur world championship held in 1974.
Which Cuban boxers won titles during the event?
The Cuban boxers who won titles were Julio César la Cruz, Arlen López, Roniel Iglesias, Lázaro Álvarez, Saidel Orta, and Erislandy Álvarez.