Montenegrin professional boxer Dilan Prašović is set to compete against Cuban boxing icon Julio Cesar La Cruz in an elimination match for the WBA world title on the night between Friday and Saturday in Cuba.

The bout in Varadero will take place in the bridger category, weighing up to 101.6 kilograms, and marks a historic moment as it is the first professional boxing match in Cuba after a 64-year hiatus.

La Cruz is considered one of the greatest Cuban boxers of all time, alongside legends like Teofilo Stevenson and Félix Savón.

He boasts an impressive record as a two-time Olympic champion (2016 and 2020), five-time world champion (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2021), and four-time Pan American Games champion (2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023).

Having built a remarkable amateur career with 385 victories and just 15 losses, La Cruz transitioned to professional boxing after the lifting of the ban in Cuba, achieving outstanding results thus far.

Prašović expressed that fighting La Cruz, alongside icons Teofilo Stevenson and Félix Savón, is more than a typical sporting challenge for him.

“This is an opportunity to become part of history. This match marks the return of professional boxing to Cuba after more than six decades, and it fills me with immense pride as a boxer from a small yet passionate sporting country,” said Dilan Prašović during a press conference.

He highlighted that this fight represents the biggest challenge of his career.

“I accepted the fight knowing that I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. This match could potentially change my life overnight. I recognize the quality and strength of my opponent, but I am prepared and driven to showcase my skills on such a grand stage. After a 24-hour journey to Cuba, I feel great and have made weight at the required 101 kilograms, so I’m ready to give it my all in the ring,” Prašović added.

His opponent Julio La Cruz expressed his excitement about participating in this pivotal event for his country and its sports scene.

“From this point forward, local boxers will have the opportunity to compete professionally on home soil, allowing our fans to witness top-tier boxing matches live,” said La Cruz.

He acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating that Prašović is a formidable and skilled competitor.

“I won’t underestimate him; my goal is to impose my style in the ring, and I believe I can thrill the home crowd and etch my name in the history of Cuban boxing,” La Cruz concluded.

The Cuban boxing night event is scheduled to commence on Friday at 8 p.m. local time, which is two hours after midnight in our time zone.

Leading up to the main event, there will be five preliminary bouts featuring notable Cuban boxers.

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