The Cuban boxing team has advanced to the semifinals of the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games with 10 athletes—five men and five women—solidifying boxing as a key strategy for the delegation to climb the overall medal standings at Santo Domingo 2026.
According to the state-run sports outlet JIT, reporting from the Dominican capital, each squad lost only one boxer on their way to securing bronzes, ensuring a presence on the medal table. Monday's victories completed the semifinal lineup with performances by Danaybis de las Nieves (51 kg), Carisney García (54 kg), Keylor García (80 kg), and Yusnier Sorsano (80 kg).
Danaybis overcame a challenging first round to defeat Panama's Yuliett Hinestroza, the 2025 Central American Games champion, with a 3-2 score. "I followed the instructions from my corner, which were to increase my work rate and start attacking," said the boxer after the match. She added, "I'm happy, no doubt, because it's a significant step that demanded a lot of sacrifice, and I'm grateful to everyone who helped make this dream a reality."
Carisney achieved a straightforward 5-0 win over Puerto Rico's Angelyris López. Keylor repeated his victory against Colombia's Diego Motoa with the same score, although he acknowledged the challenge posed by his opponent: "He complicated things for me at times when I couldn't stop him, but thanks to the coaches' guidance and my teammates' support, we got the result." Meanwhile, Sorsano needed to push through to the final round to eventually secure a 4-1 win against Panama's Eduardo Beckford.
Challenges and Setbacks
The day's disappointment came with Saidel Horta, the 2023 Taskent world runner-up in the 60 kg category. Horta entered the ring with a pre-existing cut near his right eye and couldn't fend off Venezuelan Wilson Solórzano's pressure, suffering another cut on his forehead. The medical team halted the fight in the second round, and the judges confirmed the defeat with a unanimous 5-0 decision, eliminating Horta from the tournament without a medal.
Upcoming Semifinal Matches
This Wednesday, Cuba will contend in six semifinal bouts. In the women's category, Magda Massó (57 kg) will face Venezuela's Omailyn Alcalá, Dayira Mesa (70 kg) will compete against Venezuela's Génesis Palma, and Yoana Rodríguez (75 kg) will clash with Mexico's Lorien Alonso. In the men's category, Alejandro Claro (52 kg) will fight Barbados' Jabali Breedi, Keylor García (80 kg) will go up against Dominican Republic's Noel Pacheco, and Julio César La Cruz (90 kg) will battle Venezuela's Alfonso Blanco in his semifinal.
La Cruz, who is co-flag bearer for Cuba alongside Leyanis Pérez at these Games and a two-time Olympic champion, is the standout favorite in the men's team. The light heavyweight has previously won gold in Veracruz 2014, Barranquilla 2018, and San Salvador 2023, and is looking for his fourth consecutive regional title in Santo Domingo.
Preparation and Expectations
The Cuban boxing team entered these Games with 13 secured spots from the Guadalajara tournament, although preparations were affected by the absence of Paris 2024 Olympic champion Erislandy Álvarez, who had to undergo surgery for an inguinal hernia and a back cyst, with no replacement available.
As of the tenth day, Cuba ranks third in the overall medal tally with 31 golds, 26 silvers, and 35 bronzes, trailing Mexico and Colombia. The outcomes of Wednesday's boxing matches will be pivotal for the Cuban delegation to either solidify or improve its standing before the Games conclude on August 8.
Key Insights on Cuban Boxing at Santo Domingo 2026
How many Cuban boxers are competing in the semifinals?
Ten Cuban boxers, consisting of five men and five women, have reached the semifinals.
Who are the standout athletes in the Cuban boxing team?
Julio César La Cruz, a two-time Olympic champion and co-flag bearer, is a standout athlete, along with Danaybis de las Nieves, Carisney García, Keylor García, and Yusnier Sorsano.
What challenges did the Cuban boxing team face in preparation?
The team faced challenges due to the absence of Paris 2024 Olympic champion Erislandy Álvarez, who underwent surgery, impacting their preparation.