On April 11, 2025, a historic day for Cuban boxing, the return of professional boxing to the island took place after 64 years of absence. The event, held at the Meliá Internacional Hotel in Varadero, saw Cuban Julio César La Cruz face Dilan Prasovic in a WBA Bridgerweight world title eliminator match. This encounter was not only a crucial challenge for La Cruz’s professional future, but also a symbolic moment for Cuban boxing, as its Olympic champions finally transitioned to the professional ranks. We had previously previewed the event in the article here.
Julio César La Cruz Triumphs with a Technical Knockout
In the main event of the evening, Julio César La Cruz initially surprised everyone when he was knocked down by Dilan Prasovic. However, La Cruz demonstrated incredible resilience, getting back on his feet and striking the Montenegrin with great power. In just three rounds, La Cruz knocked Prasovic down four times, ultimately winning the fight by TKO (technical knockout) and improving his record to 4-0, with all wins by KO. Prasovic, on the other hand, saw his record drop to 18-6, with 15 knockouts.
Erislandy Álvarez Dominates
Another Cuban Olympic champion, Erislandy Álvarez, delivered an extraordinary demonstration of power in his bout against Dominican Brainer Vásquez. Álvarez finished the fight in spectacular fashion, knocking Vásquez out in just 28 seconds of the first round with a technical knockout. With this victory, Álvarez solidified his status as one of the top fighters in his category.
Video of Erislandy Álvarez vs. Brainer Vásquez
Lázaro Álvarez Secures a Key Victory
In the lightweight division, Lázaro Álvarez faced Miguel Queliz Santos in a bout that ended with a technical knockout in the early eighth round. With this win, Álvarez extended his record to 7-0, solidifying himself as one of the most promising talents in Cuban boxing.
Arlen López Captures WBA Continental Latin America Title
Arlen López, Olympic bronze medalist in Paris and gold medalist in Tokyo, faced Argentina’s Martín Bulacio for the WBA Continental Latin America title in the light heavyweight division. López dominated the bout, winning by unanimous decision after ten rounds. The scorecards read 99-91 and 100-90 (twice). With this win, López confirmed his talent, improving his record to 4-0 with 2 knockouts.
Moussa Gholam Defeats Misael Vásquez by Technical Knockout
In the fight for the WBA Continental América Gold title in the super featherweight division, Moussa Gholam defeated Misael Vásquez by TKO in the third round. The Moroccan boxer showcased impressive technical dominance, improving his career record to 23 wins and 1 loss, with 14 knockouts.
History of Cuban Boxing and the Importance of the Event
This event marks a milestone for Cuban boxing, which has a remarkable tradition in amateur boxing but has struggled to transition to the professional world. Cuban fighters have always dominated the Olympics, and now they are ready to make their triumphant entry into the global professional boxing scene.
The return of professional boxing to Cuba not only marks a new chapter for La Cruz and the other Cuban fighters but also sends a strong message about the future of the sport on the island, with new talents ready to rise.
The April 11, 2025 event—with the victories of La Cruz, Álvarez, López, Gholam, and the debut of women in professional boxing in Cuba—stands as a tangible sign that Cuba is preparing a new era in boxing. This event will remain in history as a symbol of Cuban resilience and talent, ready to dominate not only in Olympic rings but also on the global stage of professional boxing.
The Debut of Women in Cuban Professional Boxing
Another key moment of the evening was the debut of women’s professional boxing in Cuba. Cuban Yakelin Estornell won her fight against Dominican Lina Tejada by knockout in the second round of their welterweight bout. This victory represents an important step for the inclusion of women in Cuban professional boxing and signals a changing tide on the island.
