Julio César La Cruz and Yusnier Sorsano Advance to Boxing Finals at Santo Domingo 2026

August 7, 2026

Cuban boxers Julio César La Cruz and Yusnier Sorsano booked their spots in the gold-medal finals of their respective weight divisions at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026, after winning their semifinal bouts Friday at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center.

La Cruz, a two-time Olympic champion and one of the most decorated figures in Cuban boxing history, has already secured at least a silver medal in the 90-kilogram division and will now fight for a fourth Central American and Caribbean title. Sorsano, 23, of Camagüey, defeated Mexico's Abel Álvarez by judges' decision (4-1) in the 70-kilogram category, his second consecutive win of the tournament after beating Colombia's Alexander Rangel in his opening bout.

They are joined by fellow Cuban Alejandro Claro, a two-time world bronze medalist, who had already clinched a finals berth in the 55-kilogram division. Cuba, which has long dominated boxing at these Games, will look to add to its gold-medal tally when the finals are held in the tournament's closing days, which run through August 8.