Julio César La Cruz KO3 Dilan Prasovic... On April 11th, the Meliá Internacional Hotel in Varadero, Cuba provided the stage for a night that will be etched in the annals of Cuban boxing history. After 64 years, professional boxing returned to the island and it did so in grand fashion. In the main event, two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time amateur world champion Julio César La Cruz took on Montenegro’s Dilan Prasovic in a WBA bridgerweight title eliminator. Known for his slick, elusive defense, La Cruz had a scare early, hitting the canvas in round two. But true to form, the Cuban regrouped and delivered a body punch that caused a third-round knockout, solidifying his claim as a contender in the new 224-pound division. Boxingtalk calculates De La Cruz's pro record of 32-5 taking into account paid fights in the IBA Champions Series and the World Series of Boxing.

 

ADDITIONAL RESULTS

 

In lightweight action, former amateur star Lázaro Álvarez showcased his ring IQ and power, stopping Martín Queliz Santos in the eighth round via technical knockout after the referee called for the ringside physician. 

 

Meanwhile, light heavyweight Arlen López earned a clear-cut unanimous decision over Argentina’s Martín Bulacio. It was a controlled and dominant performance from the Cuban southpaw, who dictated the pace from bell to bell.

 

Dominican standout Misael Vásquez squared off with Morocco’s Moussa Gholam in a junior lightweight clash. Gholam put on a technical clinic, overwhelming Vásquez and earning a third-round TKO.

 

And in the quickest finish of the night, Erislandy Álvarez needed just 30 seconds to make a statement. The Cuban blasted out Dominican Brainer Márquez in a junior welterweight bout, wrapping up the card with a bang.