Double Olympic Champion Julio César La Cruz, widely known as La Sombra, was defeated this Sunday by Cuban-Azerbaijani boxer Loren Berto Alfonso Domínguez, ending his quest for a third boxing title at Paris 2024.
Competing under the flag of Azerbaijan, the country with which he won an Olympic bronze in Tokyo 2020 in the light heavyweight category (75-81 kilograms), Loren Berto eliminated his compatriot La Cruz by judges' decision (3-2).
"Attention Cuba: La Cruz lost and says goodbye to Paris 2024. A lamentable defeat for double Olympic champion Julio César La Cruz against Loren Berto Alfonso, Cuban naturalized Azerbaijani. Cuba loses one of its clearest title options in boxing. There are still 4 other boxers in the competition," the official portal Cubadebate stated on its social media.
At 28 years old, the naturalized Azerbaijani boxer eliminated La Sombra, who idolizes dictator Fidel Castro and shouted "Patria y Vida no, ¡Patria o Muerte, Venceremos!" after defeating his compatriot Enmanuel Reyes Pla, who was competing for Spain at Tokyo 2020.
The three-year age difference in his favor, along with being seven centimeters taller, combined with the boxing technique from the Cuban school and the rigorous training regimen with his new team, gave Loren Berto an edge that La Cruz could not counter.
The flag bearer of the Cuban delegation in Paris showed a poor performance in the ring, displaying little initiative and retreating too much. Three judges scored in favor of the Cuban-Azerbaijani 29-28, while two judges saw La Cruz as superior (29-28 and 30-27).
Julio César La Cruz vs. Loren Berto: Key Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the recent bout between Julio César La Cruz and Loren Berto Alfonso Domínguez.
Who is Loren Berto Alfonso Domínguez?
Loren Berto Alfonso Domínguez is a Cuban-Azerbaijani boxer who won a bronze medal in the light heavyweight category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, representing Azerbaijan.
Why is Julio César La Cruz known as La Sombra?
Julio César La Cruz is known as La Sombra (The Shadow) due to his elusive boxing style and defensive skills, which make him a challenging opponent in the ring.
What was the outcome of the fight between Julio César La Cruz and Loren Berto?
Loren Berto Alfonso Domínguez defeated Julio César La Cruz by judges' decision, with a score of 3-2.