Cuban La Cruz Advances to Quarterfinals at World Boxing Championship

La Cruz Dominates Esmaeili
Cuban multi–medalist Julio César La Cruz secured a unanimous decision victory today over Iranian fighter Amir Esmaeili, advancing to the quarterfinals of the World Boxing Championship.

Competing in the over 90-kilogram division, La Cruz allowed no openings for the Iranian boxer, earning scorecards of 30-27, 30-26, 30-27, 30-27, and 30-27 to celebrate his second triumph at the British event.

Next Challenge: Local Favorite
The Cuban two-time Olympic champion will now seek to guarantee at least a bronze medal on Wednesday, when he faces local contender Damar Thomas.

In his opening bout, the five-time world champion defeated Azerbaijani fighter Mahammad Abdullayev by a 5-0 margin.

Other Cuban Competitors
Tomorrow, Alejandro Claro Fiz will make his debut in the 50-kilogram category against Hungary’s Istvan Szaka, after receiving a first-round bye. In the 65-kilogram division, Paris 2024 gold medalist Erislandy Álvarez will step into the ring for the second time, this time against Kyrgyz boxer Almaz Orozbekov.

Cuba traveled to Liverpool with eight representatives, though several have already been eliminated: Rolando Martínez (55 kg), Jorge Soto (80 kg), Jorge Cuéllar (70 kg), Nelson William (90 kg), and Luis Enrique Vinent (60 kg), with the latter falling in his second fight.