Cuban boxers impressively debut in Mexico

The return of Cuban boxing to professionalism, after 60 years, was historic in Palenque of the San Marcos National Fair, in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Of the six participants, all won convincingly, five of them by way of knockout, while one won on the judges’ scorecards.

The boxing quality of the Antilleans was exquisite and so powerful.

Cuban Arlen López effectively knocked out the Mexican Fernando Galván in the light heavyweight division in the first round.

Rionel Iglesias, won by knockout in two rounds, over the Mexican Brandón Pérez, at super welterweight.

Fellow Cuban Feliciano Hernández won by way of knockout in three rounds, beating Mexican Juan Carlos Raygoza.

Osvel Caballero also knocked out Jhosman Reyes, in super featherweight, in four rounds;

while Lázaro Álvarez won by unanimous decision in six rounds against Mexican Francisco Mercado, in super lightweight; Cuban Julio César la Cruz knocked out Colombian Devis Casseres in two rounds, at cruiserweight.

Cuban bantamweight Lazaro Alvarez (R) fights with Mexican boxer Francisco Mercado during their boxing match in Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes State, Mexico on May 20, 2022. – Cuban boxers returned to professional boxing on May 20 after more than 60 years competing only at the amateur level. (Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP)

Cuban super middleweight Yoenlis Feliciano Hernandez (R) and Mexican boxer Juan Carlos Raygosa fight during their boxing match in Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes State, Mexico on May 20, 2022. – Cuban boxers returned to professional boxing on May 20 after more than 60 years competing only at the amateur level. (Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP)

Cuban lightweight boxer Roniel Iglesias (R) fights with Mexican boxer Brandon Perez during their boxing match in Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes State, Mexico on May 20, 2022. – Cuban boxers returned to professional boxing on May 20 after more than 60 years competing only at the amateur level. (Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP)