In the much-anticipated men’s 63.5kg boxing final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, held on Wednesday, August 7, Cuba’s Erislandy Alvarez Borges claimed the gold medal. He defeated France’s Sofiane Oumiha with a close 3-2 decision at Roland-Garros Stadium.
This victory represents Cuba’s sole boxing gold medal at the Paris Games, highlighting a return to the sport’s spotlight for the island nation.
“I am very happy. Oumiha is a very strong opponent,” Alvarez said after the match. “I faced many changes since the world championships, but I am grateful to have won this gold medal for myself and for Cuba. My focus now is on resting so I can continue bringing gold medals back to Cuba.”
Both finalists advanced from the semi-finals on Sunday, August 4. Oumiha secured his place in the final by defeating Canada’s Wyatt Sanford 4-1. Alvarez reached the final by winning against Georgia’s Lasha Guruli 5-0. Sanford and Guruli were awarded bronze medals.
This was Alvarez’s Olympic debut. He had previously trained as a gymnast before switching to boxing.
Alvarez dedicated his gold medal to those who supported him, including his late grandmother, his country, and his former coach who believed in his potential.
Oumiha, competing at home in France, felt intense pressure. Reflecting on his past disappointments, he mentioned, “The wound from Tokyo 2020 is still fresh. I was the world No.1 then and lost in the first round. I also lost in the final in Rio 2016. I understand both victory and defeat.”
Following the loss to Alvarez, Oumiha expressed his disappointment. “I am very disappointed. I wanted the gold medal, but the fight did not go as I hoped,” he said.
