Havana, February 21 (RHC) – Four Cuban boxers will enter the ring today in search of medals at the 45th Independence Cup Boxing Tournament, which is being held in the Dominican Republic with the participation of eight countries.
The four boxers on the men’s team won all their bouts and advanced to the final rounds, demonstrating a solid performance in the previous rounds.
Two-time Olympic champion Julio César La Cruz (+90 kg) won by RSC in his fight against Barbadian Seth Lawrence, showcasing tactical superiority and experience in the ring.
On the third day of the tournament, Paris 2024 Olympic champion Erislandy Álvarez (65 kg) defeated Santiago native Ezequiel Martínez by unanimous 5-0 decision, controlling the fight with refined technique, speed, and a solid defense.
Saidel Horta (60 kg), the 2023 Tashkent World Championship runner-up, secured a narrow 3-2 victory in his opening bout and then decisively defeated local boxer Ezequiel Medina on Thursday. Meanwhile, Nelson Williams (90 kg), the reigning champion, triumphed 5-0 over fellow Dominican Patricio Polonia.
These results allow the Cuban representatives to compete for medals this Saturday, solidifying the team’s position among the tournament’s top contenders and reinforcing Cuba’s reputation as a powerhouse of amateur boxing in the region.
On the second day of the tournament, Cuban boxer Yailena Palomo was defeated 5-0 by Santiago de Cuba’s Esther Jiménez in the women’s flyweight division, marking the end of her participation in the competition.
Her teammates Dayira Mesa (70 kg), Yoana Rodríguez (75 kg), and Magda Massó (57 kg) will also compete this Saturday.
The Independence Cup Boxing Tournament is one of the most important amateur boxing tournaments in the Caribbean, allowing athletes to test their skills against top-level international competitors.
The competition not only serves to identify emerging talent and prepare boxers for major events such as the Central American and Pan American Games, but also strengthens sports infrastructure.
