Olympic champion Erislandy Álvarez returns with a knockout at the Zunyi Open and secures a bronze medal

November 9, 2026

Paris 2024 Olympic champion Erislandy Álvarez returned to official competition on Sunday with a knockout win at the Zunyi Open boxing tournament in China. The victory, in the 65-kilogram division, guarantees him at least a bronze medal, the Cuban News Agency (ACN) and Granma reported.

According to Granma, Álvarez was coming back after more than six months without official bouts because of a surgical procedure. He won the first round clearly and, in the second, two straight right hands put his Chinese opponent on the canvas, forcing the referee to stop the fight. "I felt good, with the rhythm I needed," the Cuban told JIT, thanking those who supported him during his recovery.

The day also brought results for other members of the Cuban team: Ángel Sober won 5-0 at 50 kg, while Deivis Abreu and Rolando Martínez had already secured podium spots with their wins. Magda Massó and Melani Girado lost their bouts. The tournament gathers more than 140 boxers from 11 countries.