Philippines, 27 Mar 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Milestone: Cuba Now Allows Its Boxers to Compete in Professional Fights


PhilBoxing.com



Cuban boxing officials meet in Havana (Foto: Indira Andrés).

The Cuban Boxing Federation have reached an agreement with Golden Ring Promotions that would allow the island's boxers, including the Olympic champions: Roniel Iglesas, Julio César La Cruz, Arlen López and Andy Cruz, to debut in professional boxing in a event to be held in May.

Alberto Puig, president of the Federation, and Gerardo Saldívar, made the announcement publicly and formally on Monday.

The first professional event could be held on May 20 in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and will be broadcast by ESPN KNOCKOUT for the entire Latin American territory.

Boxing came to Cuba from the United States in the first decade of the 20th century. In 1910, the Chilean John Budinich, who made a boxing career in the United States, arrived in Havana to offer his services in personal defense. A few months later, the first Academy of this sport was created in the Cuban capital. In August 1912, the first fight was organized.

In the 1930s, Havana was considered the second world boxing square. The Arena Colón was the reference boxing center with great fights.

On February 23, 1961, INDER was created and in March 1962, it presented a resolution that prohibit professionalism in any sport practiced in Cuba with the aim of promoting healthy practice and eliminating any commercialization in sport.

Professional boxing in Cuba was only allowed to be practiced within the island in an amateur way focused on the Olympic Games, Regional and Continental Championships and amateur World Championships.

“Three and a half years ago a serious analysis began that has resulted in the agreement approved and well seen by the country's sports management and the Cuban Boxing Federation with Golden Ring Promotions, for the representation of Cuba in its entry into professional boxing,” stated Puig.

“The continuous engagement in the sport and competitive preparation for Cuban boxers, to represent and raise the name of Cuban boxing in all competitions it participate, and the economic benefit it gives to the boxers, coaching staff, and medical triad who work with the team, are the main objectives,” pointed out the president of the Federation.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Gabriel F. Cordero.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Don King Productions Announces Challenger for Reigning WBC Cruiserweight World Champion Noel Mikaelian
    , Fri, 27 Mar 2026
  • 11-0 Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor developing his skills at Deontay Wilder and Andrii Novytskyi
    , Fri, 27 Mar 2026
  • IBA welcomes the victory of common sense in the IOC policy on protecting women
    , Fri, 27 Mar 2026
  • Genetic Testing will be required in Olympic Games
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 27 Mar 2026
  • “Lucky Boy" Alicaba Ready for Action Friday in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 26 Mar 2026
  • WBO & WBA World Champion René “El Chulo” Santiago Hosts Open Media Workout Ahead of April 3 Title Defense in Tokyo
    , Thu, 26 Mar 2026
  • Former WBA FEDELATIN President Panamanian Aurelio Fiengo passes away
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Mar 2026
  • The 19th edition of the Kamatyas Rapid Open and Kiddies Chess Tournament on March 28, 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 26 Mar 2026
  • WIG-WHAM! MILLER PLANS ‘OLD SCHOOL’ BEATING OF PERO IN LAS VEGAS
    , Thu, 26 Mar 2026
  • ProBoxTV Bringing a Storm of Flying Leather to Thunder Studios This Saturday, March 28, as Bryan Acosta Collides with Ronny Rios in Crossroads Bantamweight Slugfest
    , Thu, 26 Mar 2026
  • Vito Mielnicki Jr. Training Camp Quotes
    , Thu, 26 Mar 2026
  • Remembering Mr. Elorde: Still the Gold Standard
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • House of Representatives say yes to the Boxing Revitalization Act and it is now sent to the Senate
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • Ryan ‘The Polish Prince’ Kielczweski To return after 4-year layoff to fight at home on Granite Chin’s ‘Rumble at the Rink II’ card
    , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • Ellaine Summer Abanco wins silver medal on tiebreak
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • Catubig, McDowell win in DC Athletic 4
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • Team Juna wins first competition in IRONMAN 70.3 Davao
    By Kim delos Reyes-Teves, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • Round 12: Without Promoters there is no Boxing
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • Mexican female IBF Champion Irma Garcia to defend on April 5 in England
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • 14-0 super middleweight prospect Tommy ‘The Governor’ Hyde to headline April 18th at home in Cork, Ireland
    , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • MMA legend Jon Jones joins IBA Bare Knuckle as global ambassador
    , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • GOLDEN BOY SIGNS NEW EXCLUSIVE MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP EXTENSION WITH DAZN
    , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • “The Takeover” Teofimo Lopez Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 25 Mar 2026
  • Boxlab Promotions Fighters Shine with Statement Victories in Orlando
    , Tue, 24 Mar 2026
  • Red Owl Boxing Presents Box Fest XVII on Friday, April 3rd at The Archer Music Hall in Allentown, PA and LIVE on DAZN
    , Tue, 24 Mar 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.