Saidel Horta emerged as the continental champion in the 60-kilogram division, becoming the sole Cuban boxer to clinch a title during the final day of the Continental Boxing Championship held in Puebla, Mexico, this Saturday.
The fighter from Cienfuegos, who previously earned a silver medal at the 2023 World Championships in Tashkent, triumphed over Dominican Ezequiel Medina in a final bout that was cut short. The match was stopped in the first round due to injuries sustained by both boxers, and all five judges unanimously awarded the victory to Horta with a 5-0 decision, recognizing his dominance up to that point.
With this victory, Horta completed the tournament at the Miguel Hidalgo Coliseum with an unblemished record of four wins and no losses.
Cuba had three contenders in the final matches, yet only Horta ascended to the top of the podium.
Challenges in Other Weight Categories
In the 70-kilogram category, Yusnier Sorsano faced a familiar opponent, Dominican Ricardo Cuello, who had previously defeated him in the final of the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo. This encounter ended dramatically: after three rounds, all five judges scored it 28-28 before ultimately awarding a 5-0 victory to Cuello, leaving Sorsano with the silver medal.
Meanwhile, Nelson Williams also settled for silver in the 90-kilogram division after losing by a unanimous 5-0 decision to Brazilian Isaías Filho, who effectively combined mobility and technical skills to neutralize Williams' offensive strategies throughout the bout.
Overall Performance and Future Prospects
Alongside the three medals from the finals, Cuba added two bronze medals: Luis Enrique Vinent in the men's 65 kg and Dayira Mesa in the women's 70 kg, who became the first Cuban woman to secure a spot for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima at the start of the tournament.
In total, the Cuban delegation concluded the championship with five medals — one gold, two silvers, and two bronzes. Equally significant, they secured five tickets to the Pan American Games in Lima 2027: Horta, Sorsano, Williams, Vinent, and Mesa.
This outcome marks a moment of recovery for Cuban boxing, which did not win any male titles at the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games for the first time in history, finishing third in the overall medal standings of that event.
The Puebla tournament served as the first qualifier for Lima 2027, with a second opportunity scheduled for the first quarter of next year. This leaves the door open for more Cuban boxers to secure their spot in the Pan American Games.
Cuban Boxing at the Continental Championship: Key Insights
Who was the only Cuban boxer to win gold at the Continental Boxing Championship in Mexico?
Saidel Horta was the only Cuban boxer to win a gold medal at the championship.
How did Saidel Horta win his final match in the championship?
Horta won his final match against Ezequiel Medina after the bout was stopped due to injuries, with judges awarding him a 5-0 unanimous decision.
How many medals did the Cuban delegation win at the championship?
The Cuban delegation won a total of five medals: one gold, two silvers, and two bronzes.
What significance does the Puebla tournament have for Cuban boxing?
The Puebla tournament marks a recovery phase for Cuban boxing, offering a chance to qualify for the Pan American Games in Lima 2027, following a disappointing performance in Santo Domingo 2026.