Erislandy Alvarez wins gold for Cuba at the Paris 2024 Olympics. © Facebook (@93yumifm)
Cuba’s Erislandy Alvarez delivered one of the most thrilling performances of the Paris Olympics, securing gold in the men’s 63.5 kg boxing category with a narrow 3-2 decision victory over France’s Sofiane Oumiha. The match was not just a battle for personal glory but a moment that held significant weight for Cuban boxing, a nation that has long been a powerhouse in the sport. Since 1968, Cuba had missed out on a Paris Olympic boxing gold only once, at the 2008 Beijing Games, where they managed four silver medals but no golds. The pressure on Alvarez to avoid repeating that disappointment was immense, especially against an opponent as skilled and determined as Oumiha.
At 24 years old, Alvarez entered the ring with a clear strategy. Facing Oumiha, a seasoned 29-year-old who had already claimed silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Alvarez knew he had to bring his best game. From the outset, the Cuban boxer took control, closing the distance and launching powerful hooks that kept Oumiha on the defensive. Alvarez’s aggressive opening sequence paid off as he won the first round according to the scores of all five judges, laying the groundwork for a successful finish.
But Oumiha, fighting in front of a supportive home crowd, was not about to let the gold slip away without a fight. Recognizing the need for a tactical shift, Oumiha adjusted his approach in the second round. Rather than trying to evade Alvarez’s attacks, he began to stand his ground, countering with precise left hooks that landed cleanly. This change in strategy allowed Oumiha to win the second round on three of the judges’ cards, narrowing the gap and keeping his hopes alive as they headed into the final round.
The third round was a nail-biter, with both fighters fully aware that the outcome would determine their Olympic fates. Alvarez, demonstrating his resilience and tactical understanding, continued to press forward, using a well-timed left uppercut to create openings in Oumiha’s defence. He followed up with more left hooks, which helped him gain the upper hand in the exchanges. Despite Oumiha’s best efforts to counter and turn the tide, Alvarez’s relentless pressure and superior conditioning allowed him to edge out the final round by a 4-1 margin on the scorecards.
When the final bell rang, the tension in the arena was palpable. Both fighters had given their all, and the decision could have gone either way. The Cuban contingent erupted in celebration as the judges’ scores were announced, and Alvarez’s hand was raised in victory. Oumiha, on the other hand, was visibly devastated, breaking down in tears as his Olympic dream of gold slipped through his fingers. It was heartbreaking for the Frenchman, who had hoped to cap off his amateur career with the ultimate prize.
Alvarez’s victory was a personal triumph and a significant achievement for Cuban boxing. After years of hard work and dedication, Alvarez had finally reached the pinnacle of his sport, securing a gold medal that will be remembered as one of the highlights of the Paris Olympics. His celebration in the ring, marked by a backflip at the centre ring, was a fitting end to a hard-fought battle.
The win cemented Alvarez’s place in the pantheon of Cuban boxing legends and ensured that Cuba’s proud tradition of Olympic success continued. The gold medal represents the culmination of years of sacrifice and perseverance for Alvarez. For Cuba, it is a continuation of a legacy that has made the nation a dominant force in the world of boxing. Alvarez’s victory will be remembered as Alvarez’s lash of genius as the Paris Olympics approach, a monument to the spirit of rivalry and willpower that characterizes the Olympic Games.
