Erislandy Álvarez will be in the semifinal of the Professional World Cup and Havana will host Night of Champions, confirmed the local federation, which thanked the IBA president for his message.
Two chapters included in the expanded portfolio of events of the International Boxing Association (IBA) will test Cuban elite during the current January.
The first will come on the 18th, when Olympic champion Erislandy Alvarez (63.5 kg) will cross blows with Tajikistan’s Bakhodur Usmonov in the semi-final of the Professional World Cup born last November in Beijing.
Then, the world runner-up became a nightmare for Kazakhstan’s Adilet Kurmetov, whom he defeated by unanimous decision in six rounds in the quarter-finals, in which Usmonov defeated local Quan Wang.
Now the actions will return to the Chinese capital, but with duels to eight rounds, with the West Indian as favourite to access the discussion of the belt against whoever dominates between the Serbian Pavel Fedorov and the Russian Gabil Mamedov, also called to see them in that evening.
The other test for the men under the orders of coach Rolando Acebal will take place at home, with the Havana Ciudad Deportiva coliseum once again becoming the venue for a Night of Champions, as a reward for the success experienced there on 27 August.
Although the pairing has not yet been made official, the president of the Cuban Boxing Federation, Alberto Puig, announced the intention to enlist stars such as two-time Olympic champion Julio César la Cruz (92 kg), Erislandy himself and the also universal silver medallist Saidel Horta (57 kg).
If the initial plans come to fruition, La Cruz would compete in 10 rounds against Tajikistan’s Davlat Boltaev, bronze medallist under the five rings, in defence of the professional world title he won on that stage.
The others who are preparing to show themselves in front of their public are the world bronze medallist Alejandro Claro (51 kg) and Nelson Williams (86 kg), both of whom are among the youngsters who are expected to consolidate their positions during the current cycle.
In his dialogue with JIT, Puig assured that contacts are being maintained with the IBA and other promoters in order to guarantee more competitive spaces of the highest level, and thanked the recent message of congratulations from the president of that entity, Umar Kremlev.
The letter, on the occasion of the «Cuban Liberation Day», states that this special occasion serves as a reminder of its rich history and the resistance of its people.
«On this day I would like to point out the important role that sport plays in the life of the country, which is one of the most important factors in strengthening and preserving the health of the people,» it states.
«Your professional activity is a shining example of conscientious service to the development of sport and a healthy lifestyle,» the statement adds.
«Accept our wishes for continued success and growth in promoting our beloved sport and fostering unity among athletes, coaches, judges, fans and all those who want to be part of boxing,» it emphasises.
