This Monday, Cuba dealt with a significant setback at the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games: two of its Olympic champions, wrestler Luis Alberto Orta and boxer Erislandy Álvarez, have been forced to withdraw from the competition due to health issues, as confirmed by the Cuban delegation.
Sports journalist Raúl Rodríguez announced the news on his social media platforms.
Health Setbacks for Cuban Champions
Orta, who triumphed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the 60 kg category and earned a bronze in Paris 2024 at 67 kg, was diagnosed with an arbovirosis that causes high fever and general discomfort.
Doctors have recommended seven to ten days of rest before reevaluating his condition, making it impossible for him to participate in the regional games, which run until August 8. Leonard Véliz will take his place in the 67 kg Greco-Roman wrestling category.
Álvarez's Complicated Situation
Álvarez's situation is even more challenging from a sports perspective: the sole gold medalist for Cuban boxing in Paris 2024—where he defeated Frenchman Sofiane Oumiha by a 3-2 split decision in the 63.5 kg final—underwent surgery for a right inguinal hernia and had a cyst removed from his back.
According to national boxing commissioner Robinson Poll, the surgery has hindered Álvarez's ability to prepare adequately for the competition, as reported by the state media Juventud Rebelde.
Unlike Orta, Álvarez will not have a replacement: "due to the tournament regulations, there will be no substitute in his category," meaning Cuba automatically loses a potential medal contender in boxing.
Impact on Cuba's Medal Aspirations
The absence of these key athletes comes at a crucial time for the Cuban delegation, which is currently third in the overall medal tally with the stated goal of finishing among the top three and securing approximately 68 gold medals.
Cuba registered 504 athletes across 42 disciplines for this edition, marking the largest delegation in its recent history at these games. However, the lack of top-tier competitors in wrestling and boxing—sports where the island has historically excelled—complicates this objective.
Orta is one of the most decorated Cuban wrestlers of the past decade: besides his Olympic gold in Tokyo, he claimed the world champion title in Belgrade 2023 in the 67 kg category and was recognized by the United World Wrestling as the best Greco-Roman wrestler in the world in 2023.
Born in Cienfuegos, Álvarez had ventured into professional boxing in 2025, maintaining an unbeaten record, and his return to the national team for Santo Domingo was one of the highlights for the Cuban delegation.
As the games progress and the medal count remains contested, Cuba must adjust its ambitions without two of its most valuable contenders in disciplines where regional competition is increasingly fierce.
Key Questions About Cuba's Withdrawal from Santo Domingo 2026
Why are Luis Orta and Erislandy Álvarez not competing in Santo Domingo 2026?
Luis Orta is unable to compete due to an arbovirosis causing high fever and discomfort, while Erislandy Álvarez had surgery for a right inguinal hernia and a cyst removal, preventing him from preparing adequately.
Will there be replacements for Orta and Álvarez in their respective sports?
Leonard Véliz will replace Luis Orta in the 67 kg Greco-Roman wrestling category. However, there will be no substitute for Erislandy Álvarez in his boxing category due to tournament regulations.