The name of Cuban boxer Frank Zaldívar Santiesteban has taken a shocking turn from the boxing ring to police headlines in South Florida. The 29-year-old athlete and Miami resident was arrested on April 6 following a violent incident that left a man severely injured, placing him before the law with serious charges, according to local media reports.
Official records indicate that Zaldívar remains held without bail while facing charges of attempted murder with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault. The case, still under investigation, has sent shockwaves through the Cuban community, especially among those who followed his budding professional boxing career.
Details of the Incident
The altercation took place early Sunday morning, and according to the victim's account, a struggle ensued during which he managed to disarm the attacker and wound him in self-defense. The victim was found in critical condition at a gas station on West Flagler Street, suffering from chest wounds and a punctured lung, necessitating urgent transport to Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Later, authorities discovered Zaldívar near the intersection of Northwest 42nd Avenue and 7th Street, covered in blood and partially wrapped in a sheet. Initially refusing to identify himself, his identity was confirmed through fingerprints while he received medical treatment at Ryder Trauma Center.
Legal Proceedings and Impact
During questioning, the boxer claimed that a dispute with "his brother, whom he loves dearly," sparked the incident, expressing his state of mind with the phrase, "He doesn't care what happens to him; only God can judge him," as noted in the police report.
On Tuesday, he appeared before a judge via video conference from a hospital bed, where his detention without bail was ordered. So far, his team has not issued any public statements nor has his legal representation been disclosed.
Beyond the legal proceedings, this case also affects his athletic future. Zaldívar was attempting to make a name for himself in the competitive realm of professional boxing, with his latest match recorded last year in Las Vegas, where he lost to the unbeaten Curmel Moton.
Previous Legal Troubles
This recent arrest is not an isolated incident. Official documents reveal that in August 2025, he was detained in Key West on charges including burglary, drug possession, and evidence tampering. A month earlier, he had been arrested for driving without a valid license. These incidents paint a recent pattern of legal troubles now reaching a critical point.
As authorities review surveillance footage and gather testimonies, the case will be forwarded to the District Attorney's Office to determine formal charges and the direction of the legal proceedings.
Zaldívar, known in boxing circles as "El Perro," represented Cuba in the World Series of Boxing with the Domadores de Cuba in 2017 and competed in national tournaments such as the Playa Girón from 2016 to 2018.
In his professional career, he has accumulated a record of five wins and two losses, with three knockouts. His last known fight was on February 1, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where he was defeated by technical knockout in the third round against Curmel Moton, an 18-year-old prospect from Mayweather Promotions, on the undercard of the David Benavidez vs. David Morrell Jr. event.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frank Zaldívar's Arrest
What charges is Frank Zaldívar facing?
Frank Zaldívar is facing charges of attempted murder with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault.
What was the outcome of Zaldívar's last boxing match?
His last recorded fight was in Las Vegas, where he lost to Curmel Moton by technical knockout in the third round.
Has Frank Zaldívar been arrested before?
Yes, he was previously arrested in August 2025 in Key West for charges including burglary, drug possession, and evidence tampering, and earlier for driving without a valid license.