Four WBA title fights, explosive debuts and a dramatic main event thrilled the fans in Varadero.
The second Cuban Boxing Night in Varadero clearly exceeded all expectations. In front of a sold-out crowd at the Meliá Internacional, Cuban talent, AGON boxers and international guests delivered a total of nine hard-fought professional fights – including four WBA title duels. It was an evening full of speed, technique and real ring action.
Strong AGON performances and convincing debuts
AGON middleweight Malek Semmo opened the fight night with a confident performance against a previously unbeaten opponent. The 21-year-old consistently marched forward, set the pace and secured a well-deserved points victory thanks to clear strikes and controlled forward work – a mature performance from the young hopeful.
Two-time World Championship bronze medalist Alejandro Claro Fiz shone on his professional debut with a clear points victory against Mauro Nicolas Liendro. Fiz dictated the action from the center of the ring and showed his technical class in his first professional fight.
In the light heavyweight division, debutant Keylor Garcia got off to a real lightning start: after less than 30 seconds, he sent Armando Fontalvo to the floor with a precise strike. After the restart, Garcia followed up with a series of hard punches – the referee consequently stopped the fight.
Cruiserweight debutant Nelson Williams also impressed with a dominant points win over Jankelly Rodriguez Paulino, while Saidel Horta countered cleverly against the ever-pushing Misael Vasquez to win unanimously on points.
Sorsano with title coup – Gholam and Alvarez defend strongly
In just his second professional bout, Yusnier Sorsano took the WBA Fedelatin super welterweight title. The Cuban put high pressure on the experienced Nicolas David Veron right from the start, attacking his body and head mercilessly and forcing a stoppage in round three – a statement victory.
Super featherweight Moussa Gholam defended his WBA Continental Americas Gold title impressively. Challenger Botelli never got into the fight, was overrun by Gholam’s precise attacks, knocked down in round two and finally taken out of the fight by the referee – TKO for the crowd favorite.
Lightweight champion Lazaro Alvarez once again showed his technical superiority against the tough Mexican Raul Hernandez. The southpaw dominated the distance, pace and defense and won clearly on points after ten rounds (100-90, 99-91, 92-92).
Pure drama in the main battle
In the main event, Olympic champion Erislandy Alvarez put on a spectacular defense of his WBA Continental Latin America title. The crowd favorite consistently looked for the knockout, but suffered an unexpected knockdown in round nine – a real shock moment for the arena. However, Alvarez proved his champion’s mentality, fought back strongly, took control in the final phase and ultimately won deservedly on points (96-94, 96-94, 98-91) against the tenacious Rogelio Jimenez.
A memorable evening in Varadero that impressively demonstrated that the Cuban boxing school is alive and well – and it inspires.