Boxer Andy Cruz gives Cuba its last title in Tokyo 2020

August 8, 2021

In an extremely difficult fight, Cuban boxer Andy Cruz defeated his rival on the Japanese canvas, Keyshawn Davis, from the United States. After reaching the final round tied in the judges' count, the fighter from the Greater Antilles was more effective in the last round and won the decisive fight.

In the last five years, the Matanzas native has been two-time world champion (2017, 2019) and gold medalist of the Pan American Games (2019) in super lightweight division (60-64 kilos). In fact, in that time he has only lost one fight. It was against French boxer Sofiane Oumiha, Olympic silver medalist in Rio 2016 and world champion in 2017 in the old lightweight division (-60 kilos).

In the fight that closed Cuba's performance in Tokyo, Andy came out strong and dominated the first round by a 4-1 decision. However, in the middle round the American was better and tied the fight. Everything came down to the final three minutes, and in Andy's hands also rested the island's hope of closing on a high note.

The Matanzas native did not disappoint and took that round by unanimous decision, a result that left him as the fourth Cuban boxing champion in Tokyo.

"It's a very long and very difficult path, but I like challenges. I'm very grateful to my teammates for coming to support me. I'm very happy because this is the dream of every athlete and I want to dedicate this victory to the Cuban people who are surely enjoying it more than I am," he assured.

With this result Cuba climbed to 14th place in the medal count with seven gold medals, three silver and five bronze.