For the second consecutive year, the Cuban regime has announced the return of professional boxing to the island, though this time the venue has shifted. Last year's "Night of Champions" was held at the Sports City Coliseum, but this year the event will take place at the luxurious Hotel Meliá Internacional in Varadero, and it won't be free.
According to the "Domadores de Cuba" Facebook page, tickets are available for purchase at Cubadeportes S. A., the Tryp Habana Libre Hotel, and the Hotel Meliá Internacional. While prices have not been disclosed, several travel agencies are already marketing the event. One such agency, Solways, is offering a package including accommodation and event entry for $206 per adult per night, or about $300 for two adults each night.
"Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping night filled with passion and high-level bouts between world-class professionals at the 5-star All-Inclusive Meliá Internacional Varadero Resort on April 11," the agency promoted. "Reserve your spot and experience the thrill of boxing in Cuba!" The package includes collective transfer on arrival, lodging in a Classic Room with all-inclusive service, and entry to the Professional Boxing Night at 7:00 pm.
Last year, the regime acknowledged that tickets cost 100 Cuban pesos for bleacher seats and 150 for chair seating. This year's event has been elevated with sponsors like the Casa Mía restaurant, Gran Caribe, and AGON Sports.
The event will feature six bouts, including the debut of Yakelin Estornell, who will become the first Cuban woman to compete in a professional match. She will face Dominican Lina Tejada in a four-round match. The main fight will see two-time Olympic champion and three-time world champion Julio César "La Sombra" la Cruz take on Montenegrin Dilan Prasovic. Olympic champion Erislandy Álvarez will also be in the ring against Dominican Brainner Vásquez, while world champion Lázaro Álvarez will challenge Miguel Queliz, and Arlen López will face Martín Ezequiel Bulacio.
In addition, Moussa Ghalom and Misael Vázquez will vie for the World Boxing Association's Continental Gold Title for the Americas in a 10-round contest.
Last year's "Night of Champions" marked the return of professional boxing to Havana after decades of absence, featuring familiar names like Julio César la Cruz and Cuban-born Spaniard Enmanuel Reyes. The event was hailed as the true comeback of professional boxing to the island, despite some claims that the now-defunct World Series of Boxing had already served this purpose.
Organized by the International Boxing Association (IBA), the event will put two global titles up for grabs and bring together athletes, coaches, officials, and fans from around the world to honor the sport's rich history and promising future, according to Notifight.
Key Details About the Professional Boxing Event in Varadero
Where will the professional boxing event take place in Cuba this year?
The event will be held at the Hotel Meliá Internacional in Varadero.
Who are some of the participating boxers?
Participants include Olympic champions Julio César "La Sombra" la Cruz and Erislandy Álvarez, world champion Lázaro Álvarez, and debuting female boxer Yakelin Estornell.
What packages are available for attending the event?
Solways is offering a package that includes accommodation at the Meliá Internacional, event entry, and collective transfer for $206 per adult per night.