On April 11, 2025, the Meliá Internacional Resort in Varadero set the stage for an evening that may endlessly be etched within the annals of Cuban boxing historical past. After 64 years, skilled boxing returned to the island—and it did so in grand vogue. With a stacked card that includes each native and worldwide expertise, combat followers had been handled to a night filled with motion, drama, and technical brilliance.
In the primary occasion, two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time novice world champion Julio César La Cruz took on Montenegro’s Dilan Prasovic in a WBA bridgerweight title eliminator. Recognized for his slick, elusive protection, La Cruz had a scare early, hitting the canvas in spherical two. However true to type, the Cuban maestro regrouped and delivered a surprising third-round knockout, solidifying his declare as one of many prime contenders within the division.
The co-main occasion featured Dominican standout Misael Vásquez squaring off with Morocco’s Moussa Gholam in a brilliant featherweight conflict. Gholam placed on a technical clinic, overwhelming Vásquez and incomes a third-round TKO to seize the WBA Continental Americas Gold title.
In light-weight motion, former novice star Lázaro Álvarez showcased his ring IQ and energy, stopping Martín Queliz Santos within the eighth spherical by way of technical knockout after the referee referred to as for a ringside test. With the win, Álvarez added the WBA Continental Americas belt to his rising assortment.
In the meantime, Arlen López claimed the WBA Continental Latin America mild heavyweight title with a clear-cut unanimous resolution over Argentina’s Martín Bulacio. It was a managed and dominant efficiency from the Cuban southpaw, who dictated the tempo from bell to bell.
And within the quickest end of the evening, Erislandy Álvarez wanted simply 30 seconds to make a press release. The Cuban blasted Dominican Brainer Márquez with a thunderous shot in a brilliant light-weight bout to seize the WBA Continental Latin America title, wrapping up the cardboard with a bang.
This historic occasion, held beneath the banner of the World Boxing Affiliation (WBA), was greater than only a return to skilled prizefighting in Cuba—it was a showcase of the island’s boxing heritage and a strong reminder that Cuban fighters stay a drive on the worldwide stage.
