Cuban Olympic champion Erislandy Álvarez is set to make his return to competition at the Guizhou International Boxing Tournament in China, scheduled from November 3 to 12, according to the official sports outlet JIT.
Álvarez, competing in the 65 kg category, leads a contingent of 13 athletes—seven men and six women—representing Cuba in this event. The national boxing commissioner, Robinson Poll, confirmed the team's composition.
The boxer from Cienfuegos had been sidelined due to surgery, which prevented him from participating in the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026 and more recently in the Pan American Continental Championship in Puebla, Mexico, held from October 17 to 25. In the latter tournament, his spot in the 65 kg category was filled by Luis Enrique Vinent.
Álvarez expressed optimism about his physical condition, saying, "I feel good; I've been working in the gym for a while with positive results and hope for a successful return." The athlete also thanked the medical staff, the technical team's support, and the fans' interest.
In addition to the Olympic champion, the men's roster features Ángel Sober (50 kg), Deibys Abreu (55 kg), Rolando Martínez (60 kg), Keilor García (80 kg), Fredisney Morales (90 kg), and Joel Duvergel (+90 kg).
Among the women, Poll highlighted the presence of Dayira Mesa (70 kg), who clinched the title at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026, along with four athletes who earned bronze in the same event: Keilor García (80 kg), Dinaibys de las Nieves (51 kg), Carysney García (54 kg), and Magda Massó (57 kg). The female delegation is rounded out by Melani Girado (60 kg) and Naybel Morado (75 kg).
The team will be guided by coaches Julián González Cedeño, Fermín Espinoza, and Yuri Echevarría.
Recent Achievements and Historical Context
Álvarez stands as a leading figure in current Cuban boxing. He secured the Olympic gold medal in Paris 2024 by defeating Frenchman Sofiane Oumiha in the final of the 63.5 kg category, marking Cuba's sole gold in men's boxing at those Games. Prior to that, he was a world runner-up in Tashkent 2023.
Cuba approaches Guizhou with a strong track record from the previous tournament edition, where the team captured three gold medals—won by Saidel Horta (57 kg), Jorge Cuéllar (71 kg), and Nelson Williams (92 kg)—as well as two bronzes, claimed by Arianne Imbert (66 kg) and Yoana Rodríguez (75 kg).
Frequently Asked Questions About Erislandy Álvarez's Return
Why was Erislandy Álvarez absent from recent competitions?
Erislandy Álvarez was absent due to a surgical procedure that kept him from competing in events such as the Central American and Caribbean Games and the Pan American Continental Championship.
What achievements does Erislandy Álvarez have in boxing?
Erislandy Álvarez won the Olympic gold medal in Paris 2024 and was a world runner-up in Tashkent 2023.
Who are some of the other key boxers in the Cuban team for the Guizhou tournament?
Key boxers include Ángel Sober, Deibys Abreu, and Dayira Mesa, among others, who are part of the 13-member Cuban delegation.