#WSBV Day 12 – Cuba Domadores defeat Mexico Guerreros as Yosbany Veitia qualifies for Rio 2016
11 April 2015
#WSBV Day 12 – Cub vs Mex
A superb North American World Series of Boxing (WSB) derby in Havana was won by Cuba Domadores 4-1 over Mexico Guerreros.
This was the 12th successive victory of Season V for the unbeaten Cubans, while Mexico succumb to their first defeat in seven matches.
Cuba’s Yosbany Veitia became the first WSB boxer to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games after defeating Mexico’s Orlando Huitzil Ahuatl in the first fight of the evening.
The 2013 AIBA World Championships bronze medalist has excelled at Flyweight (52 kg) this season, and more than deserves his unique accolade.
Veitia won every single round against his opponent who was ranked fourth going into the contest, and the 6-0 sensation is now guaranteed to finish in the top two rankings after his victory.
With 29 points from six bouts, the Cuban has been one of the most impressive boxers in the entire competition, and qualifies ahead of schedule with another Regular Season bout to come in two weeks time.
Cuban Lightweight (60 kg) Lazaro Alvarez also strengthened his Olympic chances with a close victory over William Zepeda Segura.
Alvarez dominated the first three rounds, but his Mexican opponent improved as the fight progressed.
The win for Alvarez all but guarantees his place in Rio as he has built up a comfortable points gap over his nearest rivals.
Two-time AIBA World Champion Julio Cesar La Cruz was ranked second at Light heavyweight (81 kg) coming into this round of matches, but his Rio dreams were dashed in Havana after he lost for the first time this season to Ecuador’s Carlos Mina.
Although he earns a point from the loss to take him above Valentino Manfredonia for the time being, the Italian is a favourite to win on Saturday night which will give him back the number one ranking outright.
With third placed Hrvoje Sep also breathing down his neck, this was the worst possible time for La Cruz to lose, but a lot of credit should go to Mina who takes his season record to 3-0.
2012 Olympic gold medalist Roniel Iglesias Sotolongo recovered well from losing his last two WSB matches as he dispatched of Mexican Welterweight (69 kg) Héctor Andrés Reyes Anguiano on points.
Cuba’s 4-1 victory was confirmed at Super heavyweight (91+ kg) when 5-1 Lenier Eunice Pero widely outpointed Edgar Ramirez.
This victory temporarily put the Cuban top of the Super heavyweight rankings, and after Joseph Joyce lost on Thursday night he now has a chance to finish at least second in the overall standings.
Only one Super heavyweight will qualify for Rio 2016 through WSB however, so Eunice Pero will be hoping number one ranked Filip Hrgovic slips up on Saturday night.
Cuba Domadores travel to British Lionhearts next week, while Mexico Guerreros visit China Dragons.
