The second Cuban Boxing Night is history, and it exceeded all expectations. Before an enthusiastic audience at the Meliá Internacional Varadero, Cuban talents, AGON boxers, and international guests presented nine intense professional fights, including four WBA title bouts.
The focus was on both impressive debutants and established titleholders, who once again demonstrated their quality. AGON middleweight Malek Semmo opened the strong fight night impressively against an undefeated opponent who tried to fight but was barely able to. The 21-year-old protégé of trainer Salih Yildirim clearly dominated the fight for long stretches, dictating the pace, boxing with composure, and securing a clear points victory. It was a mature performance from a rising talent from the AGON ranks.
Two-time Cuban World Championship bronze medalist and Olympian Alejandro Claro Fiz celebrated a commanding points victory in his debut fight against the experienced Mauro Nicolas Liendro. Fiz controlled the bout from the center of the ring and demonstrated his clear technical skills in his very first professional match.
Light heavyweight debutant Keylor Garcia (Cuba) needed barely half a minute to electrify the crowd. He opened the fight with a commanding performance. A precise punch sent his opponent, Armando Fontalvo, to the canvas early. After the bell rang, Garcia pressed relentlessly until the referee stopped the fight after a flurry of blows.
Cruiserweight debutant Nelson Williams, also from Cuba, made a strong start to his professional career. He secured a clear points victory against Jankelly Rodriguez Paulino, dominating all six scheduled rounds. The fourth Cuban debutant, Saidel Horta, faced the impetuous Misael Vasquez, who never left his side. Horta cleverly countered, landing precise counterpunches and winning the fight by unanimous decision.
Only his second professional fight and already a title: Yusnier Sorsano seized the last-minute opportunity to claim the WBA Fedelatin super welterweight title and delivered a superb performance. The Cuban immediately applied pressure, pushing the experienced Nicolas David Veron back and repeatedly landing hard punches to the body and head. After numerous effective blows, the referee stopped the fight in the third round.
Super featherweight Moussa Gholam impressively defended his WBA Continental Americas Gold title. Argentine Botelli never found his rhythm, was overwhelmed by Gholam’s precision, and knocked down in the second round. The referee then stopped the fight – a TKO victory for the Moroccan-born crowd favorite Gholam, who continues his march towards the top of the world rankings and hopes for his next big opportunity.
Lightweight champion Lazaro Alvarez once again demonstrated his skill against the tough Mexican Raul Hernandez. The southpaw dominated technically, controlling both the pace and the distance, and allowing little defensively. After ten rounds, the Cuban won a clear and decisive points victory (92-92, 100-90, 99-91) and successfully defended his WBA Continental Americas title.
Drama in the main event: In the final fight of the evening, Olympic gold medalist Erislandy Alvarez delivered a spectacular defense of his WBA Continental Latin America title. The local hero repeatedly sought the knockout and had his work cut out for him against his formidable opponent, Rogelio Jimenez! Alvarez tried to maintain the upper hand but suffered a brief knockdown in the ninth round – a scary moment for the crowd. However, Alvarez fought back strongly, controlled the closing stages, and ultimately won by unanimous decision (96-94, 96-94, 98-91) against Rogelio Jimenez.
