Montenegrin boxer Dilan Prašović faced a defeat in Varadero, succumbing to Cuban boxer Julio Cesar La Cruz in an elimination bout for the WBA world title.

The renowned Cuban secured victory with a stoppage in the third round.

The confrontation took place in the bridger weight category, which has a limit of 101.6 kilograms.

This marks the sixth defeat for the Montenegrin fighter in his professional career, while La Cruz notched his fourth victory, maintaining an unbeaten record.

The opening round tested both fighters tactically. They exhibited caution—Dylan demonstrated respect yet confidence, while La Cruz aimed to control the distance and dictate movement.

In the second round, Prašović stunned the local audience just 20 seconds in by landing a left hook that sent La Cruz to the canvas.

The two-time Olympic and five-time world champion bounced back quickly, finishing the round strong—delivering a powerful straight punch to Prašović’s chin, flooring him to the delight of the home crowd.

Galvanized by his success at the end of the second round, La Cruz continued his momentum into the third.

At the start of the third, the referee counted Prašović down once more. Midway through the round, following an exchange, La Cruz struck a precise blow to the plexus that prevented the Montenegrin boxer from recovering, prompting the referee to halt the contest.

“I knew it would be challenging; I was aware of who I was up against. I tried to impose my rhythm, and there were moments when I felt I could pose a threat, but he boxed exceptionally. No excuses, he outperformed me. I’m taking lessons from this; it won’t deter me; I’ll keep moving forward,” Prašović stated after the match.

For La Cruz, this victory further affirmed his successful shift from amateur to professional boxing.

“This was a remarkable night, not just for me but for all of Cuba. Professional boxing has made a resurgence, and I’m honored to be part of that legacy. Dylan posed a formidable challenge; he landed some good shots and displayed true fighting spirit. However, I remained focused, ready to respond and finish the fight. This win is a step towards the title, and I dedicate it to my people,” commented La Cruz.

Dilan Prašović’s manager, Todor Zečević, emphasized that this is merely the beginning of something greater.

“This isn’t the outcome we sought, but boxing is an unforgiving sport. Dylan stepped into the ring against a living legend and gave it his all. I take pride in every second he spent in the ring with one of boxing’s all-time greats. We didn’t opt for an easy route; we chased a challenge. And that’s exactly what we encountered. Dylan knocked La Cruz down, a feat few can claim. While the punch to the plexus concluded the match, Dylan demonstrated resilience and character. We’ll move forward, heads held high, with lessons learned,” said Zečević.

The event in Varadero featured five preliminary bouts, marking the end of a decades-long prohibition on professional boxing that began in 1962, thus opening new avenues 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 boxer Mousa Golam, competing out of Barcelona, defeated local fighter Michel Vazquez by fourth-round stoppage, earning the WBA Continental America Gold super featherweight title.

Three-time Olympic bronze medalist Lazaro Alvarez from Cuba triumphed over Dominican Miguel Queliz Santos by unanimous decision, while his brother Erislandi Alvarez won via a second-round stoppage against Bryner Vazquez from the Dominican Republic.

In the main preliminary contest for the WBA Continental Latin America title, Cuban Arlen Lopez secured a unanimous decision victory against Argentine Martin Ezequiel Bulasi.

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