CAMAGÜEY.- Billy Rodríguez, in the mini flyweights, and Carlos Castillo, in the super heavyweights, touched the glory of Cuban boxing this Friday when they were crowned in the 59th Playa Girón National Tournament, in a day in which the rest of the finalists.
Havana's boxer Rodríguez was the cruel shadow of Cienfuegos' Delvis Abreu during the three rounds. The fast combinations of the man from the capital marked Abreu's face and convinced the judges to declare the victory unanimously.
Castillo, also from Havana, took advantage of his greater experience to beat the promising Artemisa's boxer Yoel Duvergel 5-0 and achieve his first Cuban crown in +91 kilograms.
For the rest of the cartel, the semifinal matches were reserved, in which the leading figures of the Domadores de Cuba shone, including local idols Julio César La Cruz and Yoenlis Hernández.
La Cruz debuted through the wide door with a victory by total vote over Yurizán Cutiño from Las Tunas in the heavyweights. Constantly going in and out the two-time Olympic champion secured the fight without leaving his young opponent in poor condition.
Yoenlis found a little more resistance in Jorge Cuéllar from Sancti Spiritus in the 75 kilograms. Although the ballots reflected a 5-0, the truth was that Cuéllar looked great against the current world champion, a fact that did not go unnoticed by the coaches of the national team.
One who did have to take out the extra to continue on his way to revalidate the title, was Arlen López from Guantanamo. It turns out that Jorge Soto from Holguin had his baptism of fire against the Tokyo 2020 champion thanks to an excellent offensive rhythm. However, Arlen's power and his effective guard left the challenger wanting.
The other defenders of the gold, Roniel Iglesias and Lázaro Álvarez, settled their duels with greater ease against Yeinier Rose from Granma and Miguel Samé from Artemisa, respectively.
This Saturday, starting at 9:00 am., the remaining nine bouts for the gold medals will take place, with an unprecedented broadcast by the multinational sports network ESPN. Although Sancti Spíritus continued to lead the ranking by provinces with 17 units, if the Guerreros de El Mayor (15 points) manage to win three of their four fights, they will retain the collective throne.
FRIDAY'S RESULTS
FINALS:
48 kg: Billy Rodríguez (HAB) 5-0 Delvis Abreu (CFG)
+ 91: Carlos Castillo (HAB) 5-0 to Yoel Duvergel (ART)
SEMIFINALS
60 kg: Lázaro Álvarez (PRI) 5-0 to Miguel Samé (ART)
60 kg: Rafael Joubert (GTM) 5-0 to José Vera (SCU)
69 kg: Roniel Iglesias (PRI) 5-0 to Yeinier Rose (GRA)
69 kg: Darian Favier Castro (HAB) 5-0 to Norge Borrego (IJV)
75 kg: Yoenlis Hernández (CMG) 5-0 to Jorge Cuéllar (SSP)
75 kg: Alex Michel Pérez (SSP) 4-1 to Yusmel Ruiz (SCU)
81 kg: Arlen López (GTM) 4-1 to Jorge Soto (HOL)
81 kg: Brayan León (PRI) 5-0 to Juan Elisástigui (GTM)
91 kg: Julio César La Cruz (CMG) 5-0 to Yurizán Cutiño (LTU)
91 kg: Freddy Pérez (SCU) 3-2 to Ramón de la Torre (HOL)
Translated by Linet Acuña Quilez