Cuba Hosts IBA Champion’s Night

Cuba recently hosted professional boxing for the first time in more than 60 years when it hosted the IBA Champions’ Night. Cuba has long dominated amateur boxing, winning more Olympic golds than any country except the U.S. since the Cuban revolution. Cubans now box professionally.

“Cubans love boxing,” says one fan.

“Cuban boxing is world-renowned,” says a French spectator.

“It’s incredible that this is happening here today,” says another fan.

“I think this is a spectacular event, an opportunity for our boxers and a chance for the Cuban people to see a professional boxing show. We’re happy to be here,” says a Cuban fan who attended the event with his family.

“This is the first professional boxing in Cuba [in decades]. I'm representing my country. I’m proud to have given my people the win,” says Lázaro Álvarez, three-time World Champion and winner of Champions’ Night in the 63kg division.

“It’s a big step for me because I’m stepping out of amateur boxing and I just won my first belt,” says Arlen López, IBA World Champion (80kg).

Cuba banned professional boxing in 1962. Since then, Cuba has dominated amateur boxing. Cuba has won more Olympic golds (42) in the last 60 years than any country except the U.S.

In 2022, Cuban boxers began fighting professionally abroad through the IBA.

“It has taken a lot of preparation, but I have progressively familiarized myself with professional boxing,” says Lázaro Álvarez.

“I knew what I was facing. 10 rounds involves a good preparation. And we decided the best strategy was relying on attack,” says Arlen López.

“Every achievement we’ve had feels very good because it’s the result of a lot of sacrifice,” says Julio César La Cruz, IBA World Champion (92kg).

Julio César La Cruz and Arlen López became IBA world champions in their categories.

Each received $120,000.

“We’re advocating to finally develop professional boxing in Cuba, so our champions don’t have to migrate. Hopefully this can make international projects finance Cuban boxing

schools, which are very famous, and even though they don’t have equipment, they create champions,” conclude another Cuban.