Prašović Falls to La Cruz
The Montenegrin boxer Dilan Prašović faced a setback in Varadero against Cuban boxer Julio Cesar La Cruz in a WBA world title elimination match.
The renowned Cuban celebrated a victory with a knockout in the third round.
The bout took place in the bridgerweight category, which is up to 101.6 kilograms.
This marks the sixth defeat for the Montenegrin fighter in his professional career, while La Cruz achieved his fourth win, keeping his unbeaten record intact.
The first round served as a tactical showdown, with both fighters exhibiting caution. Dilan displayed his respect and confidence, while La Cruz focused on establishing distance and controlling the fight’s pace.
The two-time Olympic and five-time world champion regained his composure quickly, and by the end of the round, he retaliated by landing a powerful straight punch to Prašović’s chin, putting him down and eliciting cheers from the crowd.
With momentum from the strong finish in round two, La Cruz carried that energy into the third round.
Right at the start, the referee counted Prašović down once more, and midway through the round, after a flurry of punches, La Cruz delivered a devastating blow to Prašović’s solar plexus, from which the Montenegrin could not recover, prompting the referee to halt the contest.
“I knew it would be a tough challenge. I was aware of who I was up against. I attempted to set the rhythm, and there were times I felt I could pose a threat, but he boxed exceptionally well. No excuses—he was better. I’m learning from this experience; it won’t deter me—I will keep advancing,” remarked Prašović post-fight.
For La Cruz, it further solidified his successful transition from amateur to professional boxing.
“It was a memorable night, not just for me but for all of Cuba. Professional boxing is returning, and I’m honored to be a part of this legacy. Dylan was a resilient opponent; he landed some good shots and demonstrated a fighter’s heart. However, I stayed focused, knowing I had to respond and finish the fight. This win is a stepping stone toward the title, and I dedicate it to my people,” stated La Cruz.
Dilan Prašović’s manager, Todor Zečević, expressed that this is not the end, but rather a new beginning for the fighter.
“This result was not what we hoped for, but boxing can be unforgiving. Dylan faced a living legend and gave everything he had. Despite the loss, I am proud of every moment Dylan spent in the ring against one of the sport’s greatest. We aimed for a challenge, not the easy way out, and we certainly got that. Few can say they knocked La Cruz down. Although the punch to the plexus ended the fight, Dylan exhibited strength and character. We will move forward with our heads held high, with valuable lessons learned,” Zečević shared.
The event in Varadero featured five opening bouts and marked the end of a decades-long ban on professional boxing instituted in 1962, heralding a new chapter for Cuban boxing.
Jacqueline Estornel made history by defeating Lina Tejada from the Dominican Republic by unanimous decision, becoming the first Cuban woman to fight professionally on home soil.
Moroccan fighter Mousa Golam, based in Barcelona, secured a victory over local competitor Michel Vazquez by stoppage in the fourth round, earning the title of WBA Continental America Gold super featherweight champion.
Three-time Olympic bronze medalist Cuba’s Lazaro Alvarez triumphed over Dominican Miguel Queliz Santos by unanimous decision, while his brother Erislandi Alvarez achieved victory with a second-round stoppage against Bryner Vazquez from the Dominican Republic.
In the main opening fight for the WBA Continental Latin America title, Cuban Arlen Lopez defeated Argentine Martin Ezequiel Bulasi by unanimous decision.
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