Cuba reached a negative milestone in the 2024 World Youth Boxing Championship, finishing for the first time in its history without a gold medal in these competitions.
The event, held in Budva, Montenegro, left the island team without its usual shine, securing only two silver medals—a result labeled as the most modest for the country in this competition.
The modest harvest, which stands in stark contrast to the island's boxing tradition, was achieved by Yojander Fuentes in the 57-kilogram (kg) category and David Manuel Espinosa in the 67 kg category, the only ones to reach the winners' podium.
The remaining representatives - Ángel Sober (48 kg), Yurisniel Abreu (75 kg), Javier Alexander Rawlins (86 kg), Kevin Sánchez (54 kg), Jorge Luis Mayeta (80 kg), and Yoelvis Leyán Tejera (63.5 kg) - were eliminated in the earlier rounds, highlighting the decline of Cuban boxing in major international events.
Although the Cuban technical delegation reported "questionable verdicts" that fueled the ongoing criticism of the International Boxing Association, the final assessment clearly highlights the challenge the country faces in regaining its prestige in the youth sector, according to Diario de Cuba.
Nevertheless, Cuba maintains its leadership in the historical medal table of the Youth World Championship, with a total of 79 gold medals, 23 silver, and 31 bronze. However, the lack of recent titles highlights the need to adapt and strengthen its development programs.
This performance adds to a streak of disappointing results at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where only one gold medal was won, courtesy of Erislandy Álvarez in the 63.5 kg category.
The decline of emblematic figures like Arlen López and Julio César La Cruz in Paris highlights the urgent challenge facing Caribbean boxing to maintain its status on the international stage.
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