Boxer Julio César La Cruz was named Cuba's most outstanding athlete of 2025, adding another accolade to a career that includes previous such nominations, two Olympic gold medals, and five world titles, to mention only his most significant triumphs.

This year, his primary result in amateur boxing was a bronze medal at the World Boxing event held in Liverpool, England. This organization will govern the sport at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Competing in the super heavyweight division, the captain of the Cuban Domadores team earned the bronze. He also recently participated in the IBA World Championship, where his run ended just short of the podium with a loss in the bronze medal match in the 92 kg category.

On the professional front, he remains undefeated in four outings. His latest victory was a technical knockout against Montenegro's Dilan Prasovic last April on a card in Varadero. This record has secured him a forthcoming fight against Russia's Muslim Gadzhimagomedov for the World Boxing Association (WBA) title.

The boxer from Camagüey expressed gratitude for this new recognition at the awards gala for the nation's top athletes and indicated he would return stronger in 2026, a year with important commitments. "I am happy, I thank everyone who made it possible for me to receive this recognition. I dedicate it to my mother, who is my driving force, and I tell my followers that there is still plenty more of Julio César La Cruz to come," he stated.

The double Olympic champion Julio César La Cruz was named Cuba's best individual sports athlete of 2025.