Professional Boxing Returns to Cuba After 64 Years

After more than six decades, professional boxing is making a long-awaited return to Cuba. On April 11, the island will once again host a pro fight card, marking a historic comeback sanctioned by the World Boxing Association (WBA), with championship titles on the line. The event will take place at the Meliá Internacional Hotel in Varadero, organized by AGON Sports in collaboration with the Cuban Boxing Federation and under the WBA’s official approval.

This return is nothing short of a milestone. The last time professional boxing graced Cuban soil was back in 1961. On October 27 of that year, in Havana’s Palacio de los Deportes, Paul Díaz scored a fifth-round knockout over Julio Carreras in what would become the final sanctioned pro bout in the country—until now.

For over six decades, professional boxing was banned in Cuba, forcing generations of Cuban fighters to make their mark exclusively in the amateur ranks. And mark it they did—Cuban boxing has dominated the Olympic and amateur world championship circuits, producing some of the greatest talents the sport has ever seen.

However, with Cuba reopening the doors to professional boxing in 2022 and now securing this partnership with AGON Sports, the sport is set for a long-overdue revival on the island. This event is expected to usher in a new era of thrilling battles, giving Cuban fans the chance to see their homegrown talent compete for prestigious WBA titles on home turf.

The card will showcase some of Cuba’s most decorated fighters, including Julio César La Cruz, Arlen López, Erislandy Álvarez, and Lázaro Álvarez. All of them have conquered the amateur scene, amassing multiple Olympic and world championship medals. Now, they are ready to transition to the pro ranks and showcase their skills under the bright lights of a professional ring.

“This is a historic moment for boxing,” said Ingo Volckmann, president of AGON Sports. “It’s a great honor for us to work with some of the most elite fighters in the world and be part of this new chapter for Cuban boxing.”

The wait is over—Cuba is back in the fight game.