Two-Time Olympic Champion Julio César La Cruz Reaches Semifinals at Santo Domingo 2026

August 4, 2026

Cuban boxer Julio César La Cruz, a two-time Olympic champion, advanced to the semifinals of the 90-kilogram division at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after defeating Puerto Rico's Ángel Rivera by unanimous decision, 5-0, on August 3, 2026.

La Cruz, 36, controlled the bout from the opening bell, relying on his experience and ring generalship to dominate all three rounds, according to Cuba's state news agency Prensa Latina. The win guarantees him at least a bronze medal and keeps him on track to add a fourth Central American and Caribbean boxing title to his resume.

Fellow Cuban boxer Alejandro Claro also advanced to the semifinals the same day, winning his 55-kilogram bout against Mexico's Cristopher Santos by an identical 5-0 decision. Cuba has historically dominated boxing at the Central American and Caribbean Games, with more gold medals than any other nation in the competition's history.

La Cruz, born in Camagüey, won Olympic gold in the light heavyweight division at Rio 2016 and in the heavyweight division at Tokyo 2020, in addition to five world championship titles. His semifinal matchup had not yet been scheduled at the time of this report.