Julio César La Cruz Increases His Legend in Girón Boxing Tournaments Edita

January 15, 2024

The thirteenth coronation of star Julio César La Cruz (CMG) enhanced the final of the 60th National Boxing Tournament Playa Girón, concluded on Sunday with a collective victory for this province after six intense days at a venue that shone as host.

Nine times he reached the throne in the 81 kg division and three times in the 91 kg division, the two-time Olympic champion now prevailed in the 92 kg category and tied Félix Savón (GTM) at the top of the most winners in the Island's elite tournament, a fact he dedicated to all those who have contributed to his excellent career.

The conclusive outcome was inscribed with a 5-0 judges' decision against Freddy Pérez (SCU), in the only repeated confrontation from the Camagüey 2022 final. Thus, the five-time world champion once again made clear his superiority.

"More than tying a record, what motivates me is satisfying the expectations of my followers and contributing to the cause of the province," said the captain of the Cuban navy, awarded here by the president of Inder, Osvaldo Vento Montiller.

"This and all the events to come will be important because they allow us to increase our preparation for a year that will bring good things for our sport," he added.

Another headline came from world subtitle holder Saidel Horta (CFG), executioner 5-0 of the experienced Yosbany Veitía (SSP), four times laureated at this level, to exchange his silver from the previous edition for gold in the 57 kilogram division.

"I achieved the objective of not following him on the ring, but maintaining my rhythm, concentrated on what was prepared, given that it is a difficult opponent, with experience and supported by his audience," said Horta after maintaining the offensive from the outside, supported by his movements.

Equally striking was that Giorgis Salfrán (GTM/ 52 kg), second in the world cup, disposed 3-2 of bronze medalist at the global level Alejandro Claro (SSP), to debut as champion, a step imitated by Denny Suárez (CFG/ 48 kg), executioner 3-2 of Frank Cleger (SSP).

Like La Cruz, the also double Olympic gold medalist Arlen López (GTM/ 81 kg) re-edited supremacies, who completed nine crowns by dispatching 5-0 to Jorge Soto (HOL); the universal subtitle holder Erislandy Álvarez (CFG/ 63 kg), elegant 5-0 against Rogerlandy Delís (CAV), and Nelson Williams (CMG/ 86 kg), better 4-1 than Xavier Fernández (CFG).

"I focused on changing the times, raising or lowering the intensity at certain moments, according to the demands of the fight, in addition to prioritizing defensive actions," explained an Erislandy who is looking toward a professional commitment and the qualifying tournament for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

"It's always important because it's an event of recognized level, where all athletes arrive determined to displace the established figures, plus this particular edition has been a high-level one," noted Arlen.

Rafael Joubert (GTM/ 60 kg) was inscribed in the chapter of proclaimed kings after being subtitles in 2022. He defeated Darielqui Palmero (SSP) with a 3-2 that received boos from the numerous crowd gathered at the facility.

The remaining medalists on the podium climbed for the first time: Yusnier Sorzano (CMG/ 69 kg), Jorge Cuéllar (CAM/ 75 kg) and Adonis Iznaga (SSP/ +92 kg). The latter by RSCI in a bout stopped in the first round due to the injury suffered on Saturday by world subtitle Fernando Arzola (SCU).

By provinces, Sancti Spíritus totaled 37 units and shattered Camagüey's dominance, third with 29, as it was also surpassed by Cienfuegos (36).

THE FINAL

48 kg: Danny Suárez (CFG) 3-2 over Frank Cleger (SSP)

52 kg: Giovis Salfrán (GTM) 3-2 over Alejandro Claro (SSP)

57 kg: Saidel Horta (CFG) 5-0 over Yosbany Veitía (SSP)

60 kg: Rafael Joubert (GTM) 4-1 over Darielqui Palmero (SSP)

63 kg: Erislandy Álvarez (CFG) 5-0 over Rogerlandy Delís (CAV)

69 kg: Yusnier Sorzano (CMG) 4-1 over Adrián Licea (SSP)

75 kg: Jorge Cuéllar (SSP) 5-0 over Fernando Cabrera (CFG)

81 kg: Arlen López (CMG) 5-0 over Jorge Soto (HOL)

86 kg: Nelson Willians (CMG) 4-1 over Xavier Fernández (GTM)

92 kg: Julio César La Cruz (CMG) 5-0 over Freddy Pérez (SCU)

+92 kg: Adonis Iznaga (SSP) RSCI-1 over Fernando Arzola (SCU)

HONOR BOARD

Most Technical: Arlen López (GTM)

Most Combative: Jorge Cuéllar (CMG)

Best Fight: Saidel Horta (CFG)-Yosbany Veitía (SSP)

Best Coach: Justo Díaz (SSP)

Best Referee-Judge: José Sánchez (CFG)