Guantanamo.- The Playa Girón Provincial Boxing Cup took place in Guantánamo, bringing together 21 athletes from the local academy, the provincial team, and the youth squad of the Rafael Freyre Sports Integration School.
The tournament was held at the gymnasium of the Norte–Los Cocos sports complex and featured male boxers competing in five weight classes: 55 kg, 60 kg, 70 kg, 75 kg, and over 80 kg. Alberto Leyva Cascaret, technical director of the provincial team, told *Venceremos* that the event was organized to strengthen athletes’ preparation and technical skills while national competitions remain unavailable.
The champions were Yasel Barbier Vaquero (55 kg), Dionis Fauré Gracial (60 kg), Ronaldo Cutiño Ruíz (70 kg), Jorge Christian Sierra Vicet (75 kg), and Enyi Gell Sánchez (over 80 kg). Erislandi González (55 kg), Harold David Fiss Ramos (60 kg), Rodolfo Díaz Muñoz (70 kg), Yeinier Pérez Moirán (75 kg), and Yose Maikel Denis Ramos (over 80 kg) finished second, with the bouts showcasing close competition and a high level of skill.
“Organizing this provincial cup helps revive an event that was once one of the most important in the province,” Leyva Cascaret said.
After more than a year without regular national-level competitions, the athletes’ preparation has declined considerably, despite their continuing to follow training plans at their sports facilities. Leyva Cascaret said that bringing competitors together in five weight classes increased the number of bouts and made it possible to assess each boxer’s current physical and technical condition.
The local Playa Girón tournament also paves the way for the José María Chibás Provincial Cup, which will include female athletes. Organizers also expect a delegation from Santiago de Cuba to take part.
