Related videos:
Cuba concluded its participation in the IBA World Boxing Championship in Dubai with a record far below its historical traditions: only one bronze medal, earned by the athlete from Guantánamo Arlen López (80 kg).
According to the official journalist Guillermo Rodríguez on Facebook, the double Olympic champion was defeated this Thursday in the semifinals by unanimous decision (0-5) against the Uzbek Javohir Ummataliyev, the current world champion of the tournament organized by World Boxing (WB) in Liverpool.
López, who had been the only Cuban able to advance beyond the quarterfinals, was unable to decipher the rhythm and effectiveness of the Uzbek, who imposed his style from the very first round. With this defeat, the boxer from Guantánamo leaves the event with a guaranteed bronze medal, the only medal for the Cuban delegation in this edition of the World Championships.
Three others went home empty-handed
The two-time Olympic champion and five-time world champion Julio César La Cruz (92 kg) was defeated 1-4 by the Uzbek Turabek Khabibullaev, leaving him out of the medal contention.
La Cruz, one of the most iconic names in boxing from the largest of the Antilles, could not impose his style against a more effective opponent during exchanges, who even knocked him down in the fight.
The also Guantanamo native Giorvis Salfrán (51 kg) lost his match against Ruldolf Garboyan from Armenia and was unable to advance to the semifinals. Salfrán could not figure out his opponent's defense and rhythm, coming up short of reaching the podium.
In the super heavyweight division, the Santiago native Fernando Arzola (+92 kg) lost by unanimous decision (0-5) to the Uzbek Arman Makhanof, despite having delivered a standing eight count in the third round. His effort was not enough against the final push from his opponent and the judges' scoring.
The outcome marks a new setback for Cuban boxing, which has historically been dominant in international competitions, but in recent years has seen its prominence on the global stage diminish. With the conclusion of the tournament, the island returns home with more questions than victories.
Filed under: