SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, CMC – World powerhouse Cuba advertised their strength in amateur boxing again last weekend when they swept a remarkable eight of the 11 titles at stake at the American Youth Continental Championships.

The International (amateur) Boxing Association (AIBA) sanctioned event at the Gran Arena del Cibao Doctor Gobaira Oscar saw two boxers from Puerto Rico and an 81kg boxer from Ecuador breaking the Cuban dominance.

Reigning World junior champions Yunior Valdez and Arlen Lopez, both 17-year-olds, were among gold medallists for Cuba, traditionally a dominant force in world amateur boxing — at junior and senior levels.

Valdez won against local favourite Luis Salazar in the 57 kilogramme (featherweight) final, while his friend Lopez claimed the gold medal in the lightweight class after beating talented Mexican Daniel Echeverria of Mexico.

Middleweight Irosvany Duvergel was one of the most convincing Cuban champions.

He exhibited power in the 75kg final against Alan Campa and landed big early punches to stop the Mexican in the first round.

Ecuador’s Italo Perea and the Puerto Ricans Felix Verdejo and Pritchard Colon were the only non-Cuban gold medallists at the championship.