April 11 Heats Up With Lopez Vs Alvarez On Stacked Cuban Card

Cuba’s boxing legacy runs deep. From Teófilo Stevenson to Félix Savón, the island has always produced world-class fighters. And now, two of the biggest names from Cuba’s Olympic past—Arlen Lopez and Lazaro Alvarez—are stepping back into the ring, this time as professionals, in front of a hometown crowd. While they won’t be facing each other in the ring just yet, Lopez vs Alvarez is still the headline draw for the April 11 card, as both fighters look to bring pride and gold back to Cuban soil.

Agon Sports officially confirmed that these two legends will headline the “Cuban Boxing Night” event on April 11 at the beautiful Melia Internacional resort in Varadero. This won’t be your typical exhibition. We’re talking about real fights, real stakes, and regional titles on the line.

Let’s break down what’s shaping up to be one of the biggest boxing nights Cuba has seen in years.

Arlen Lopez: From Olympic Hero to Light Heavyweight Title Challenger

Arlen Lopez isn’t just another name on the card—he’s a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and arguably one of the most technically gifted boxers Cuba has produced. At 31, Lopez is 3-0 in the pros, with two knockouts to his name. Now, he’s set to face Martin Ezequiel Bulacio, a gritty Argentinian veteran with a 14-8 record.

The fight will be for the vacant WBA Continental Americas title at light heavyweight—a major step up for Lopez.

Sure, Bulacio’s record might not jump off the page, but don’t be fooled. The Argentinian has a reputation for upsetting young, rising talents. This fight is going to test Lopez in ways the amateur game never did. It’s longer rounds, no headgear, and a crowd expecting fireworks.

For Lopez, this bout isn’t just about adding another belt to the collection. It’s about proving he’s more than just a decorated amateur—he’s here to shake up the pro scene too.

Lazaro Alvarez: Crafty Southpaw Looking for Pro Hardware

Right behind Lopez in terms of legacy is Lazaro Alvarez, a three-time Olympic bronze medalist and a former three-time amateur world champion. His amateur resume is already Hall-of-Fame worthy, but at 34 years old, he’s deep into a late-career reinvention.

Read this: Christian Benford Lands 76 Million Extension as Bills Secure Star Cornerback

Now 6-0 as a pro (with 3 KOs), Alvarez will square off against undefeated Dominican fighter Miguel Queliz Santos (10-0-1). The two will fight for the vacant WBA Continental Americas lightweight title.

Santos is younger, hungrier, and hits hard. But Alvarez? He’s slick, smart, and incredibly hard to hit clean. The question is whether his ring IQ and experience can neutralize Santos’ power over the course of 10 rounds.

A win here would be Alvarez’s first regional title as a pro, and it would put him one step closer to the big leagues. For fans who watched him shine in Olympic rings around the world, seeing him fight for a belt at home is something special.

Gholam vs. Vasquez: High Stakes in the Junior Lightweight Division

This card isn’t just about Cuban stars, though. Fans will also get to see a firecracker of a matchup between Moussa Gholam and Misael Vasquez.

Gholam, a slick Moroccan-Spanish fighter with a 22-1 record (13 KOs), is known for his movement and ring smarts. He’ll be up against Dominican brawler Misael Vasquez (17-4-1, with a scary 15 knockouts). Vasquez is one of those guys who’s always dangerous. He might be losing every round—and then boom, it’s over with one shot.

This junior lightweight clash has all the ingredients for Fight of the Night. Gholam’s boxing finesse vs. Vasquez’s knockout power—it’s a classic style clash, and the Cuban crowd is going to eat it up.

Source: Arlen Lopez, Lazaro Alvarez added to April 11 pro show in Cuba

Carlos “Hulk” Castillo: The Heavyweight Beast Returns (But in Germany)

While all eyes are on Varadero, Agon Sports also quietly announced the return of Cuban heavyweight prospect Carlos “Hulk” Castillo Rodriguez. He’s set to fight on April 5 in Hamburg, Germany, just days before the Cuba card.

Rodriguez, 28, has been out of the ring since 2023. He’s 5-0 with 3 KOs, and he’s looking to shake off the ring rust and remind people why he’s one of the most physically imposing heavyweights to come out of Cuba in years.

Read this: Jimmy Snuggerud Goes Pro: Blues Sign Forward to 3-Year Contract

His opponent hasn’t been named yet, but this will be a big moment for him. If he handles business in Germany, don’t be surprised if we see him in a main event slot on a future Cuban card.

April 11 Heats Up with Lopez vs Alvarez on Stacked Cuban Card

Cuba’s Pro Era Is Here—And It’s Just Getting Started

Let’s be honest: for decades, Cuban boxing was mostly about the amateurs. The country built its reputation on Olympic golds and international tournaments. But times are changing. More and more Cuban fighters are making the leap into the pro game—and thriving.

The April 11 card is a clear sign that Cuba is serious about building its own pro boxing scene. Agon Sports is helping lead that charge, giving Cuban talent a platform at home rather than forcing them to fight only abroad.

For the fans, this is a dream come true. Not only do they get to watch world-class fighters—they get to do it in Cuba, surrounded by music, culture, and a deep love for the sweet science.

Lopez and Alvarez aren’t just chasing belts—they’re blazing a trail for the next generation. And events like this could be the beginning of something big. Future stars, future champions, future history—all starting right here, right now.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a die-hard Cuban boxing fan or just someone who loves a good fight, April 11 is going to be one for the books. We’ve got Olympic legends trying to build pro legacies. We’ve got undefeated prospects taking major risks. And we’ve got a country falling in love with professional boxing all over again.

So set the date. Melia Internacional, Varadero. April 11. Cuban boxing is back—and it’s never looked better.