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The double Olympic champion Julio César La Cruz shone once again in the ring by defeating the Colombian Jeison Troncoso by technical knockout in the seventh round of a fight held in Nassau, Bahamas.
La Cruz successfully defended the international gold belt in the super middleweight division of the World Boxing Association (WBA), several months after missing out on a medal at the Paris 2024 event.
The bout, scheduled for 10 rounds, was marked by the Antillean's technique, who skillfully used his jab to control the fight and punish his opponent.
At the end of the seventh round, the referee intervened upon noticing the noticeable swelling on Troncoso's face, who had entered this matchup with a solid record of 13 wins and just one loss.
"I felt in excellent shape, with a strong punch and quick movements. My leading hand was key to this victory," he remarked to JIT after the match. His triumph keeps his unbeaten record intact in professional boxing, where he now has four victories.
This title defense comes a year after the five-time world champion claimed the WBA international crown by defeating Nigerian Austine Nnamdi in Conakry, Guinea.
Additionally, it marks his return to competition after winning the professional world title from the International Boxing Association (IBA) in Havana last August.
La Cruz's next challenge is scheduled for January 31 in Havana, where he will face Tajikistani athlete Davlat Boltaev, a bronze medalist at Paris 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions About Julio César La Cruz and His Boxing Career
How was Julio César La Cruz's last fight in the Bahamas?
In his last fight in the Bahamas, Julio César La Cruz defeated Colombian Jeison Troncoso by technical knockout in the seventh round, successfully defending his WBA international title in the super middleweight division. La Cruz skillfully used his jab to control the bout and punish his opponent, prompting the referee to intervene due to the visible swelling on Troncoso's face.
What is Julio César La Cruz's next challenge?
Julio César La Cruz's next challenge is scheduled for January 31 in Havana, where he will face Tajikistan's Davlat Boltaev, a bronze medalist from Paris 2024. This fight will mark another important defense in his professional career, following his recent victory in the Bahamas.
How was Julio César La Cruz's participation in Paris 2024?
At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Julio César La Cruz was eliminated in his first bout after losing to the Cuban-Azerbaijani Loren Berto Alfonso. La Cruz was defeated by a split decision from the judges, which cut short his quest for a third Olympic title.
What did the return of professional boxing to Cuba mean for Julio César La Cruz?
The return of professional boxing to Cuba was significant for Julio César La Cruz, who took part in the historic "Night of Champions" in Havana. La Cruz claimed the IBA heavyweight title after defeating Uzbek fighter Madiyar Saydrakhimov, marking a milestone in his professional career and in Cuban boxing.
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