Havana, May 2, (RHC), -- Cuba is looking to beat Russia today in the second leg of the semifinals of the World Series of Boxing (WSB) Season IV.

As Cuba's Domadores won the first leg in Moscow, their home-team advantage may cinch the fights, to be held at Havana's Sports City.

Cuba's hopes are pinned on two-time world champion Lazaro Alvarez (60kg), Olympic winner Roniel Iglesias (69kg) and twice world champion Julio Cesar La Cruz (81).

Alvarez, undefeated in five bouts, must defeat Russia's Konstantin Bogomazov (1-2), national youth runner-up in 2009, while Iglesias (3-0) must beat Olympic bronze medal holder Andrei Zamkovoi (0-1). La Cruz (3-1), meanwhile, will fight Aleksander Khotyantsev (3-1).

Rounding out the five-member Cuban team are Leodan Nunez (52), with one win in the series, and Jose Angel Larduet (over 91), with one win and one defeat.

Nunez will go up against Russia's national title holder Ovik Ogannisian (0-1) and Larduet, winner of the 2009 bronze medal, will fight European champion Magomed Omarov (1-0).

Cuba's coach, Rolando Acebal, said high fighters "are well prepared."

Alberto Puig, president of the Cuban Boxing Federation, said the Cubans recognized their rivals' talent and skill, but the national squad had worked very hard for a win.

He said: "The last word will be in the ring.”