Professional boxing returns to Havana: Julio César la Cruz vs. Enmanuel Reyes on the main menu.

With the event titled "Night of Champions," professional boxing will return to Havana on the upcoming August 27 and will bring a tempting menu of fights, although - without a doubt - the main attraction will be between two old rivals: Julio César la Cruz and the Cuban naturalized Spaniard Enmanuel Reyes.

The event, which will be organized by the International Boxing Association (IBA), will feature two universal titles at stake and will bring together athletes, trainers, officials, and fans from around the world to celebrate the rich history and vibrant future of this sport, according to the site Notifight.

Cuba will play a significant role, not just because of its status as the host. The main event - in the 92-kilogram category - will be led by La Cruz, recently eliminated in the current Olympic Games, and Reyes, who is still in the running for Paris 2024.

The clash is very sensational, as both starred in one of the most politicized confrontations at Tokyo 2020, to the point that "La Sombra," known for his support of the Cuban regime, shouted "Fatherland and Life no, ¡Fatherland or Death, We Will Overcome!" after achieving victory over his countryman.

Also, the co-main event will be between Arlen López, double Olympic champion and gold medal hopeful at the event in France, and Aliaksei Alfiorau from Belarus, to determine the IBA champion in the 80 kg category.

Umar Kremlev, president of the organization, stated: “Cuba has an unparalleled legendary boxing heritage and we are delighted to host the central celebration of International Boxing Day in Havana.”

According to the mentioned digital site, the billboards become an opportunity to honor the athletes who dedicate their lives to the sport and inspire the next generation of boxers around the globe.

Regarding the program, the president of the Cuban Boxing Federation, Alberto Puig de la Barca, expressed his confidence. "I am sure that the venue for 14,000 spectators will be full, because the best boxers from our country will participate."

The event, which will feature the top figures from the island in the announced divisions, will take place at the Coliseum of the Ciudad Deportiva and will mark the (true) return of professional boxing to the largest of the Antilles (after decades of absence), although some believe that this happened with the (defunct) World Series of Boxing.