The Paris 2024 Olympics will set the stage this Sunday for a fascinating clash between two Cuban boxers: Loren Berto Alfonso Domínguez and the two-time Olympic champion Julio César La Cruz, better known as "La Sombra." At 28 years old, Loren Berto will compete under the Azerbaijani flag, the country he represented to win a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the light heavyweight category (75-81 kilograms).
This Sunday, July 28, at 4:18 PM local time, the naturalized Azerbaijani boxer will face Camagüey native Julio César La Cruz, who is 31 years old and stands at 182 centimeters tall. Three years younger and seven centimeters taller (189 cm), Loren Berto will have the chance to go up against La Sombra, a boxer who idolizes the dictator Fidel Castro and famously shouted "Patria y Vida no, ¡Patria o Muerte, Venceremos!" after defeating his fellow Cuban Enmanuel Reyes Pla, who was competing for Spain at Tokyo 2020.
Hailing from Havana, Loren Berto is among more than 20 Cubans competing for different delegations at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The draw has set the stage for the initial bout between the two-time Olympic champion Julio César La Cruz and his compatriot Loren Berto, who has achieved significant success representing Azerbaijan.
The naturalized Azerbaijani Cuban boasts an impressive resume with his adopted country. He secured fifth place at the 2019 World Championships in Ekaterinburg, Russia, in the 75-kilogram division. He then earned one of his most notable achievements, winning an Olympic bronze at Tokyo 2020 in the 81-kilogram category after losing to fellow Cuban Arlen López.
In 2021, Loren Berto reached the pinnacle by becoming the world champion in the 86-kilogram division at the World Boxing Championships, a well-deserved reward for a journey that saw him rise to the top after being overlooked in his native country's boxing scene. The Cuban school-trained boxer demonstrated his immense talent and progress, as he reached global glory in Serbia just months after earning the Olympic bronze in Tokyo.
In the semifinals of the 2021 World Boxing Championships, Loren Berto defeated his compatriot Herich Ruiz and showed a touching gesture of respect towards his opponent, the coaches, and his homeland. After the fight, he raised Herich's hand, approached the corner, and saluted the Cuban coaches, placing his hand over the flag on one of their chests.
Now, Loren Berto aims for another Olympic medal but must first overcome La Cruz, who seeks to become a three-time Olympic boxing champion, a feat only three other boxers have achieved, including two fellow Cubans. This duel promises to be an epic showdown between two talents from the same school but with different paths and destinies.
Key Questions About Cuban Boxers at Paris 2024
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, fans and analysts have several pressing questions regarding the participation of Cuban boxers competing under different flags. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why is Loren Berto Alfonso competing for Azerbaijan?
Loren Berto Alfonso began competing for Azerbaijan after not finding sufficient opportunities in Cuba's boxing scene. He has since achieved significant success, including a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
What are the achievements of Julio César La Cruz?
Julio César La Cruz is a two-time Olympic champion and one of Cuba's most celebrated boxers. He seeks to become a three-time Olympic champion at Paris 2024.
How many Cubans are competing under different flags at Paris 2024?
Over 20 Cubans are expected to compete for different delegations at the Paris 2024 Olympics, showcasing their talents on the international stage.