Guadalajara, Mexico – The Cuban boxing team is steadily securing its place at the upcoming Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in July and August of 2026. After two days of competition at the qualifying tournament held in Guadalajara, Mexico, Cuba has now earned nine berths, showcasing the nation’s continued strength in the sport. The tournament, a crucial step towards the Games, has seen both victories and valuable qualifying opportunities for the Cuban athletes.
Friday’s action at the Domo del CODE Alcalde saw four Cuban boxers build successful debuts, adding to the momentum built on Thursday. Leading the charge was Carysney García (54 kg), representing Santiago de Cuba, who marked her first appearance with the national team with a resounding RSC (Referee Stops Contest) victory over Rubí Rubí of Honduras in the second round. García, a former member of the Cuban artistic swimming team, brings a unique athletic background to the ring and has already gained experience with five professional wins in China, alongside one draw and one defeat.
Whereas García’s win was a highlight, she remains the sole female Cuban boxer to secure a victory thus far. Yailena Palomo (51 kg), Dayira Mesa (70 kg), and Yoana Rodríguez (75 kg) all faced defeats in the opening rounds, falling to Mexican opponents Valeria Amparan, Citlalli Vanessa Ortiz, and Lorien Alonso, respectively. These Mexican athletes boast more extensive international experience, presenting a tough challenge for the Cuban team.
The men’s team too delivered strong performances on Friday. Double Olympic champion Julio César La Cruz (90 kg) secured a unanimous decision victory over Nicaragua’s Bayron Hilton McCoy. Saidel Horta (60 kg), a medalist from the 2023 World Championships in Tashkent, also won by unanimous decision against Mexico’s Harold Santos, while Alejandro Claro (55 kg) dominated Armando Flores of Panama with a 5-0 scoreline.
These successes followed victories on Thursday from Olympic champion Erislandy Álvarez (65 kg) and Yusnier Sorsano (70 kg), further bolstering Cuba’s qualifying total. Importantly, even the three Cuban women who lost their initial bouts have secured their places for Santo Domingo 2026, a testament to the tournament’s structure and the overall level of competition.
Robinson Poll, the national commissioner for the sport, explained that the qualification process is benefiting from divisions not being fully populated, allowing more athletes to secure spots. He stated, “The benefit of the divisions not being complete and that giving the possibility of qualifying is not for Cuba, but for the rest of the nations, that have a lower level.”
Looking ahead, Yusnier Sorsano will compete in the semi-finals on Saturday against local favorite Abel Álvarez, while Keylor García will face Zachary Granados of El Salvador. These matches represent crucial opportunities for Cuba to further solidify its presence at the Central American and Caribbean Games.
The Cuban team’s performance in Guadalajara underscores the nation’s commitment to boxing excellence. With nine spots already secured, and more opportunities on the horizon, Cuba is poised to be a strong contender at the Santo Domingo Games. The tournament continues to provide valuable experience for the Cuban boxers as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
For fans following the action, the next confirmed checkpoint is Saturday’s semi-final bouts featuring Sorsano and García. Stay tuned to official tournament updates for the latest results and schedules.
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