Historical! Cuban boxers Serbia debut in their first World Cup

Serbian Cuban boxers have marked a before and after in the history of Cuban sport. For the first time, three pugilists on the island compete in a World Women’s Boxing Championship, an event of great prestige that brings together the best athletes in the world.

The tournament, held in NIS, Serbia, from March 8 to 16, 2025, not only represents a sports challenge, but also opens the door to new opportunities for Cuban female boxing.

With a total bag of 2.88 million dollars in prizes, the winners of each category will receive $ 100,000, while the finalists and semifinalists will also be rewarded.

The three Serbian Cuban boxers that are representing the island in this event are:

Melany turned Gray (57 kg): National Bicampeonea and First Cuban to get a victory in a World Cup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0oj3jn4cxu

Dayira Mesa (75 kg): One of the promises of Cuban female boxing in the medium category.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycaibzjh5_8

Yoana Rodríguez (81 kg): Young debuting talent in international tournaments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVMi9aijoq

A key challenge for Serbian Cuban boxers

Female boxing in Cuba was officially approved in December 2022, which allowed the pugilists to begin their way in international competitions.

In previous events, such as Alba Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games, the boxers won a silver medal and two bronze, demonstrating their potential.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65xq_y_wbo

However, this world championship in Serbia is a much more demanding test. The lack of experience globally and the need to face rivals with greater experience represent challenges for the Cubans.

The team chief coach, Iván Horta, has expressed his confidence in athletes:

«Being in the World Cup is already a big step. The goal is to play a good role, girls’ strengths are the desires they have to do well about the ring and courage that characterizes Cubans ».

Horta also stressed that Cuban female boxing is still under development, but with this World Cup new possibilities are opened to consolidate discipline.

First Cuban Victoria in a Women’s Boxing World Cup

The Villaclareña Melany turned Gray has been the first to register her name in the history of Cuban women’s boxing by getting a victory in this World Cup in Serbia.

Although his triumph was due to the non -presentation of his rival, the Tanzana Halima Vunjabei, this result marks an important milestone for Cuba.

Turned now he will face the winner of the fight between Uktamova (Uzbekistan) and Kasumova (Georgia), in what will be his true test within the tournament.

For their part, Dayira Mesa and Yoana Rodríguez prepare to debut and demonstrate their capacity in the ring.

The impact of Cuban female boxing worldwide

The incursion of Serbian Cuban boxers in an event of this magnitude is a great advance for gender equality in Cuban sport. Until 2022, female boxing was prohibited on the island, which limited the opportunities of the pugilists.

This change took 16 more years to arrive compared to female wearer and struggle, which were authorized in Cuba much earlier.

However, in less than three years, Cuban female boxing has gone from its first official competition to have representation in a World Women’s Boxing Championship.

Melany’s performance, Dayira Mesa and Yoana Rodríguez in this contest could be key to the future of female boxing in Cuba. If they achieve good results, this could generate more institutional support and greater access to international competences.

Cuban boxing has been a worldwide power in the male branch, and this is the first step for women can also reach that level of excellence.