Paris 2024 Olympic Champion Erislandy Álvarez Suffers First Pro Loss by KO, Drops WBA Continental Title in Chile

April 26, 2026

Cuban Olympic champion Erislandy Álvarez Borges (63.5 kg) suffered the first defeat of his professional career on April 24, 2026, in Santiago, Chile, falling by second-round knockout to unbeaten Panamanian José "El Magnífico" Núñez (18-0-2, 8 KOs), who claimed the WBA Continental Americas title in the 63.5 kg division with the emphatic victory.

Álvarez, who entered the fight with a 6-0 record and the WBA continental belt, could not weather the Panamanian's power, as Núñez landed a devastating blow in the second round that sent the Cuban to the canvas with no chance of recovery. The loss drops Álvarez's professional record to 6-1.

Núñez, arriving with a 17-0-2 mark, claimed the belt convincingly and cemented his status as one of the most exciting prospects in Panamanian boxing. The fight took place as part of the WBA Fedelatin Convention in Santiago, Chile, at the event known as KO a las Drogas.

The result is a significant setback for the Cienfuegos native, who had become Cuba's standout boxing story of 2024 by winning the gold medal in the men's 63.5 kg division at the Paris Olympics, defeating France's Sofiane Oumiha by split decision in the final. Born on July 14, 2000, Álvarez will now look to regroup and rebuild following this first professional defeat.

On the same card, compatriot Lázaro Álvarez successfully defended his WBA continental lightweight title, knocking out Brazilian Jackson Furtado in the fourth round to remain unbeaten at 11-0.