CUBA’S Domadores boxing team secured their chances of directly advancing to the semifinals of the 5th World Series of Boxing on March 20, beating the Russian team 4-1 and maintaining their unbeaten lead at the top of qualifying Group A.
At the “Wings of the Soviets” Sports Palace, Moscow, the island’s fighters celebrated their victory for the tenth consecutive weekend with 30 points, thanks to the contributions of Yosbany Veitía, Lázaro Álvarez, Julio César La Cruz and Leinier Peró.
Flyweight Veitía, world bronze medalist, remained unbeatenin five rounds, defeating Ovik Ogannisian 3-0 thanks to his fasthands and legs, combined offense and efficient defense.
He upped his game in the third round and maintained the high intensity, while the Russian newcomer was static and lacking in responses despite surpassing the Cuban in height and reach.
Twice world champion Lightweight, Lázaro Álvarez, saw a more complicated fight, but redoubled his efforts to obtain a 2-1 lead over Artur Subkhankulov, who demanded the most from him right from the start and never stopped trying.
Shortly thereafter, Welterweight Radzhab Butaev, provided Cuban Roniel Iglesias with his second defeat of the tournament, with the European cashing in on his physical strength and setting the pace throughout, except in the last round.
Light heavyweight Julio César La Cruz beat Gamzat Gazaliev 3-0 without too many problems, and to finish, Cuban Super heavyweight Peró equally excelled against Maxim Babanin to set his personal record of wins and losses at 4-1.
The balance sheet for the Domadores is now 44-6 with four bouts to go, which should see their exceptional lead secure them a ticket to the semifinals.
Veitía, Lázaro y La Cruz finished inMoscow asnumberone in each of their categories, a meritalso held byHeavyweight,ErislandySavon, together withthe Kazakh,VassiliyLevit. (Jit)
