THE Playa Giron, Cuba’s national championships, concluded in Camaguey on December 18. Some of the country’s most well known boxers were in action but at unexpected weights. Only in September the great Julio La Cruz [pictured] was boxing at his familiar light-heavyweight, the division where he captured the Olympic gold medal and his four World championships. But for this event he moved all the way up to 91kgs. He did so with aplomb, winning the final against Angel Napoles on a unanimous decision.
Another Olympic champion, Arlen Lopez moved up to 81kgs successfully, beating Raisel Poll in the final also on a unanimous decision. Yariel Areu won the 75kgs title, edging out Yoenlis Hernandez on a split decision.