The boxer defeated Thai Bunjong Sinsiri by unanimous decision in the quarter-finals of the lightweight category (63.5 kg).
MADRID, Spain.- Cuban boxer Erislandy Álvarez guaranteed the first medal for Cuba at the Olympic Games Paris by beating Thai Bunjong Sinsiri by unanimous decision in the quarterfinals of the lightweight category (63.5 kg) on Thursday. With this victory, Alvarez advances to the semifinals, securing at least the bronze medal, since in Olympic boxing medals are awarded to all semifinalists. The winners of the final receive gold and silver, while the two losers automatically receive bronze.
In the fight against Sinsiri, Alvarez deployed a varied and fast punch, leaving his opponent with few options. The result of the fight was a clear 5-0. Alvarez, originally from Cienfuegos and world runner-up in Tashkent 2023, is making his debut at these Olympics. On his way to the semi-finals, he defeated Papua New Guinea fighter John Ume by technical knockout and won by unanimous decision against Algerian Jugurtha Ait Bekka.
In addition to Erislandy Álvarez, two other Cuban boxers keep the medal hopes alive for the island’s delegation. Alejandro Claro, in the 51 kg category, and Arlen López, in the 80 kg category, will fight this Friday for their place in the semifinals. Claro will face local Billal Bennama, while López, two-time Olympic champion in Rio de Janeiro 2016 and Tokyo 2020, will face Uzbek Turabek Khabibulllaev.
Two boxers from the Cuban boxing representation said goodbye in their first fight. Julius Caesar the Crossa two-time Olympic champion and one of Cuba’s main hopes for gold, was eliminated by his compatriot Loren Berto Alfonso, who competes for Azerbaijan. Saidel Horta, in the 57 kg category, was also eliminated in his debut.
On the other hand, Loren Berto Alfonso won again this Thursday against the Kazakh Aibek Oralbay, so he will face the Cuban naturalized Spanish player on August 4th. Emmanuel Reyes Plawho a few hours earlier had defeated Belgian Victor Schelstraete, thereby securing bronze for Spain.
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