Julio César secures Cuba’s third Río gold
Boxer Julio César La Cruz secured the island’s third gold medal of the Río Games. Cuba remains 21st on the medal table
Author: Oscar Sánchez Serra, Enviado especial | subdirector@granma.cu
august 19, 2016 10:08:45
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Photo: Ricardo López Hevia
RÍO DE JANEIRO.— With Cuba’s third gold medal stemming from the fists of Julio César La Cruz, in the 81 kilogram boxing division, the Cuban delegation remains firmly in position 21 on the 31st Olympic Games medal table, while preparing for further competition in the closing days.
“The Shadow” as the boxer from Camagüey is dubbed, was a true enigma in the 81kg final, managing to settle an old score from London 2012, when he was unexpectedly absent from the podium.
His rapid attack style saw him land direct hits on rival Adilbek Niyazymbetov of Kazakhstan. The performance secured him Cuba’s first boxing gold in Río, a feat Robeisy Ramírez and Arlen López will seek to emulate this Satureday.