Philippines, 15 Jul 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:

  • Showdown in Tokyo: Jerry Francisco Challenges Undefeated Yuga Ozaki for WBO Asia Pacific Title Today
    By Dong Secuya, , Wed, 15 Jul 2026
  • RUIZ JR. FACES KNYBA AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER, NEWARK, NJ ON SEPT 4 – LIVE ON TNT AND DAZN
    , Wed, 15 Jul 2026
  • MATCHROOM AND DAZN LAUNCH PROJECT SERIES ON AUG 28
    , Wed, 15 Jul 2026
  • Pinoy woodpushers confident in Asian Youth tilt in Shenzhen, China
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 15 Jul 2026
  • CARE conducts WASSAR training course for Junior Lifeguards in Digos
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 15 Jul 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 JULY 2026: Gassiev Stops Kadiru, Retains WBA Heavy Title; Suslenko Beats Joyce; Ataev Outpoints Uzcategui
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 14 Jul 2026
  • Two World Title Fights are added to AJ-Prenga undercard at 'The Comeback' in Jeddah
    , Tue, 14 Jul 2026
  • Perez willing to have a trilogy with Eman
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Jul 2026
  • MANILA ROARS BACK: THE REYES CUP AND PHILIPPINES OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP RETURN FOR 2026
    , Mon, 13 Jul 2026
  • Jayr Raquinel Avenges Compatriots with First-Round Stoppage Over Kenbun Torres in Osaka
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 13 Jul 2026
  • IBA President Umar Kremlev backs Gassiev for heavyweight unification fights after IBA Pro 19 title defence
    , Mon, 13 Jul 2026
  • Chess Kings rules Pacquiao rapid chess team tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Jul 2026
  • P1 million at stake in DC Trail Ultra
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Jul 2026
  • Gabriel Santisima Retains WBO Asia-Pacific Title with First-Round Knockout Win
    , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Sumabong wins OPBF, WBO Asia Pacific titles
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Philippine Blu Girls Ready to Take on the World’s Best at WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Germo, Turno rule 34th Yakult 10-Miler Trilogy Davao
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • 1st Grandmaster Eugene Torre Open Standard Chess Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Murat Gassiev retains WBA heavyweight title at the spectacular IBA Pro 19
    , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Unbeaten John Michael Zulueta Headlines Highland Show July 25 in Thailand, LIVE on TrillerTV
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Raquinel, Torres Make Weight for Sunday Showdown in Japan
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 11 Jul 2026
  • Pacquiao, Briggs and Chisora share their views ahead of IBA PRO 19 in Moscow
    , Sat, 11 Jul 2026
  • LICA MALLS 500 SHAW TO HOST PACQUIAO CHESS TEAM TILT
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 11 Jul 2026
  • Canelo vs Benavidez on Cinco De Mayo 2027? Maybe.
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Sat, 11 Jul 2026
  • IBA President Umar Kremlev drives global combat sports expansion with historic wrestling partnership with RAF
    , Sat, 11 Jul 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.