Julio Cesar La Cruz

Havana, February 8 (JIT) - Cuban Julio Cesar La Cruz repeated his dominance over his last victim of Tokyo 2020 and will join Arlen Lopez from the Cuban ranks in the final of the Moroccan stop of the Golden Belt Series of the World Boxing Tour 2023.

La Cruz (92 kg), double titleholder under the five rings, defeated on Wednesday 4-1 the Russian Muslim Gadzhimagomedov, who in addition to finishing second in the Japanese capital holds a belt of the orb.

According to coach Rolando Acebal, the five-time world champion got the better of a very tactical fight, with few effective punches, against an always impetuous opponent.

The conquest of the gold will demand from Julio to reedit credit at the expense of another known, because on Friday he will go up to the boxing ring against the Italian Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine, who will try to avenge the setback that cost him the silver medal in the world championship of Belgrade 2021.

"He is a difficult opponent, left-handed, who has increased his level", commented Acebal, optimistic about La Cruz's response capacity.  

Arlen (80 kg), also owner of two Olympic titles, advanced with a 4-1 decision over Spanish Gazimagomed Schamilov Jalidov Gafurova and will have a higher ranking against Russian bronze medalist Iman Khataev.