Four Cubans in Olympic Boxing Semifinals

HAVANA TIMES — Four Cubans will climb into the ring today to box in the semi-finals of the 2012 London Olympic Games, reports the Prensa Latina news agency.

Yasnier Toledo, in the 60-kilogram weight class, will face the greatest challenge when he comes up against the Ukraine’s Vasly Lomachenko, who left him the silver medal in the world bout in 2011 and was crowned in Beijing in 2008.

Toledo’s teammate, world featherweight king Lazaro Alvarez, is the favorite to go on to the third level by defeating Irishman John Nevin.

For his part, 18-year-old flyweight Robeisis Ramirez should have no problems against another Irishman, Michael Conlan, who has no major track record and advanced behind a questionable decision against the experienced French fighter Nordine Oubaali.

Finally, the other option for Cuba is the light welterweight slugger Roniel Iglesias, who has already picked up another bronze since the one earned four years ago and is expected to defeat the Italian Vincenzo Mangiacaprev, who’s presently ranked third in the world.

Note: As this note is being published Lazaro Alvarez was defeated 19-14 and obtains a bronze medal. Roniel Iglesias won his match 15-8 and now goes to the finales for a gold or silver medal on Saturday.