After more than six decades in the shadows, professional boxing is set to make its long-awaited return to Cuba. On Friday, April 11th, the iconic Meliá Internacional Hotel in Varadero will host a boxing event destined to reshape the island’s sporting landscape. For the first time in 64 years, Cuban fighters will lace up the gloves under the bright lights of a professional show, reigniting a flame that once made Cuba a powerhouse in the global boxing scene. Headlining the historic card is Julio César La Cruz—nicknamed “La Sombra”—a decorated amateur legend now carving his path in the pro ranks. La Cruz will square off against Montenegro’s Dilan Prasovic in a WBA-sanctioned bridgerweight world title eliminator. With multiple Olympic and world titles already in his trophy case, La Cruz is now within striking distance of becoming Cuba’s next world champion. More than just a fight, this bout represents the rebirth of Cuban prizefighting on the world stage.

 

The night won’t begin and end with La Cruz. The undercard is loaded with top-tier Cuban talent looking to stake their claims on the international scene:

 

Arlen López vs. Martín Ezequiel Bulacio (light heavyweights);

 

Lázaro Álvarez vs. Miguel Queliz Santos (lightweights);

 

Erislandy Álvarez vs. Brainer Vásquez (junior welterweights);

 

Moussa Gholam vs. Misael Vásquez   (junior lightweights);