Havana, October 26 (PL) -- "To Caesar what is Caesar's," Cuban Julio Cesar La Cruz, three-time Pan American boxing champion, who will seek to win his fourth gold in Santiago 2023 after a tough fight.

In the battle between two "Julio César" to see who would dispute tomorrow the 92 kg crown, the Camagüeyan La Cruz won 4-1 against his namesake from Ecuador, Castillo by last name, in a fight in which he started losing the first round and had to work hard throughout.

"It was a good fight, with the adrenaline of being down 2-3 in the first round, but I was inspired by the support of all Cubans to achieve victory, which is what everyone expects," said the double Olympic champion out of the ring.

He also pointed out that in Santiago 2023 the competition is being tough. "For nobody is a secret that we have several countries in the area with Cuban coaches and that shows in the results.

"In this tournament I have had to throw more punches than ever," he stated in a jocular tone.

Even so, he stressed that this shows the level of the Cuban School, because "the fights are close and good".

"And that is something positive that the world boxing family should enjoy," finished off Julio Cesar, Cuba's standard bearer, who this Friday will go out to claim another golden laurels against Brazilian Keno Machado at the Ñuñoa Olympic Training Center to extend his reign in America.