Erislandy Álvarez Wins Paris Gold and Honors His Grandmother
Cuban boxer Erislandy Álvarez Borges won the men’s 63.5kg gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, defeating France’s Sofiane Oumiha by 3–2 split decision in the final. Álvarez dedicated the victory to his grandmother, who died on the day he qualified for the Games.
Watch the official Paris Olympics footage of the Álvarez–Oumiha gold-medal final
Álvarez edged the home favorite
The final took place at Roland-Garros on August 7, 2024. Oumiha, the Rio 2016 Olympic silver medalist, had the support of the French crowd and was seeking the one medal missing from his collection. Álvarez finished strongly and took the judges’ decision, earning Cuba’s only boxing gold medal at the Paris Games.
The bout was close across its three rounds. Álvarez later said he dedicated the medal to his grandmother, who passed away on the day he qualified for Paris. The tribute linked a major sporting achievement to a personal loss he had carried through the Olympic cycle.
A landmark for Cuban boxing
The victory added another Olympic boxing title to Cuba’s long record in the sport. Álvarez’s gold was particularly important at Paris 2024, where he was the country’s sole boxing champion. He became an Olympic winner at 23 and denied Oumiha a long-awaited home gold.
Final result: Erislandy Álvarez Borges def. Sofiane Oumiha by 3–2 split decision, men’s 63.5kg final — Paris 2024, August 7, 2024.
Sources
- Reuters: Álvarez wins Olympic lightweight gold
- EFE: Álvarez dedicates gold to his grandmother
- NBC Olympics: Paris 2024 boxing results
Sources: paris2024.elcorreo.ae; boks-savez.hr
Tags
MMA, Combat Sports
