Cuban Boxers Secure Three More Wins at China Open Tournament

Cuba's boxing team delivered another strong performance at the Guizhou Open Tournament in China, with world silver medalist Saidel Horta leading the charge in his second bout, while Nelson Williams and Dayira Mesa triumphed in their debut matches.

Horta (57 kg), the 2023 Tashkent World Championship runner-up from Cienfuegos, dominated Uzbekistan's Tashlanov Shakhjakhon from the opening round. By the second round, the referee issued a protective count to Horta's opponent, prompting the Uzbek corner to throw in the towel.

Meanwhile, Nelson Williams (92 kg) secured a clean 5-0 victory over Belarus' Ruslam Adamonis, controlling the fight from start to finish. Dayira Mesa (75 kg) also shined, overpowering Kazakhstan's Zhibek Zharaskysy to claim Cuba's first win on the tournament's third day.

However, not all Cuban boxers advanced. Deily Sterling (54 kg) and Yoana Rodríguez (75 kg) suffered unanimous decision losses to China's Da Shang Tang and Lu Zhen, respectively.

Remaining Cuban Contenders:

• Women: Arianne Imbert (66 kg, Guantánamo), Dayira Mesa (75 kg, Santiago de Cuba)

• Men: Ángel Sober (51 kg, Havana), Saidel Horta (57 kg, Cienfuegos), Ernesto Comas (63.5 kg, Camagüey), Jorge Cuéllar (71 kg, Sancti Spíritus), Nelson Williams (90 kg, Camagüey), Leonardo Buides (+90 kg, Matanzas)

The team continues its campaign in Guizhou, aiming to build on its early successes in the international competition.