Several Cuban boxers are set to participate in the newly established IBA Kunlun Fight League, which will kick off on November 16 at the National Stadium in Beijing, China, with a prize pool of two million dollars.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) and Kunlun Star have joined forces to create this competition, gathering talented fighters from around the globe, including various medalists from the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
According to the official Cubadebate portal, the first Cubans to debut will be Erislandy Álvarez, reigning champion in France, and Roniel Iglesias, a three-time Olympic medalist, including his golds in London 2012 and Tokyo 2020.
Álvarez and Iglesias will compete in the 63.5 kg and 71 kg divisions, respectively, aiming to win the titles and the substantial financial reward, an opportunity rarely seen outside the programs of the world's most renowned entities.
The competition format will include an initial draw to determine matchups, and the event will follow a playoff structure. Quarterfinal matches will last six rounds, while semifinals and finals will be contested over 12 rounds, as reported by the aforementioned media outlet.
The league will also feature other high-caliber athletes, such as French triple world champion and double Olympic silver medalist Sofiane Oumiha, and world leader Ruslan Abdullaev from Uzbekistan, among many others.
All this will take place after the "Night of Champions" organized by the IBA at the Coliseo de la Ciudad Deportiva in Havana, where local boxers Julio César la Cruz and Arlen López pocketed $120,000 each for their victories in the 92 kg and 80 kg categories, respectively.
This event was historic, as it marked the first professional boxing match held on the island in the last six decades.
Key Details About the IBA Kunlun Fight League
Here are some frequently asked questions about the upcoming IBA Kunlun Fight League, where Cuban boxers will compete for significant prizes in China.
When will the IBA Kunlun Fight League begin?
The league will start on November 16 at the National Stadium in Beijing, China.
Who are the Cuban boxers participating?
Erislandy Álvarez and Roniel Iglesias are the Cuban boxers set to debut in the competition.
What is the competition format?
The event will follow a playoff structure, with quarterfinal matches lasting six rounds and semifinals and finals lasting 12 rounds.
What other notable boxers will participate?
The league will feature athletes like French triple world champion Sofiane Oumiha and Uzbekistan's world leader Ruslan Abdullaev.