Cuba, the nation with the most Olympic boxing wins, has just one gold medal hope for Paris 2024: Erislandy Álvarez, a 24-year-old who will attempt to defeat the favorite and local contender, Sofiane Oumiha, in the 63.5-kilogram category.
Since Beijing 2008, the island nation has consistently clinched titles in Olympic boxing events. The last time Cuba secured only two medals was in Mexico 1968, celebrating the silver medals of Enrique Regüeiferos and Rolando Garbey.
Arlen López, a two-time champion who fell short of a third title, had to settle for third place—a notable achievement considering that the team captain, Julio César la Cruz, was eliminated in his debut in France.
History tells us that López and La Cruz failed in their attempts to join the elite club of triple Olympic champions in boxing: Hungary's Laszlo Papp (1948, 1952, 1956) and Cuba's own Teófilo Stevenson (1972, 1976, 1980) and Félix Savón (1992, 1996, 2000).
Álvarez faces a tough challenge, as Oumiha won silver in Rio de Janeiro 2016 and is a three-time world champion (2017, 2021, 2023), a fact highlighted by journalist Francys Romero on Facebook.
"One fight remains, and we will give it our all. This is the last and most important one," Álvarez told the AP about the most crucial bout of his career. He also boasts a silver medal in the 2023 World Championships.
Gone are the days of legends like Stevenson and Savón, or other iconic figures such as Emilio Correa, Ángel Herrera, Héctor Vinent, Ariel Hernández, Mario Kindelán, Guillermo Rigondeaux, and Robeisy Ramírez.
Today, Cuban boxing has one name: Erislandy Álvarez, the nation's sole golden hope in the "City of Light."
Erislandy Álvarez and Cuba's Olympic Boxing Prospects
As Cuba looks to Paris 2024 with hopes pinned on Erislandy Álvarez, several questions arise about the nation's boxing legacy and Álvarez's journey. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to provide more insight.
Who is Erislandy Álvarez?
Erislandy Álvarez is a 24-year-old Cuban boxer who will compete in the 63.5-kilogram category at Paris 2024, aiming for a gold medal.
What are Sofiane Oumiha's accomplishments?
Sofiane Oumiha is a French boxer who won silver at the Rio 2016 Olympics and is a three-time world champion (2017, 2021, 2023).
When was the last time Cuba won only two Olympic boxing medals?
The last time Cuba won only two Olympic boxing medals was in Mexico 1968, with silver medals from Enrique Regüeiferos and Rolando Garbey.