Emmanuel Reyes Plan broke the long drought of Spanish boxing with a bronze medal in the -92 kg of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The wait was lengthened from the distant silver of Rafael Lozano in Sydney 2000. It was the second medal for ‘Balita’, who also won bronze in Atlanta 1996, and who today oversees the growth of Spanish boxing.
As coach, Lozano is one of those responsible for the evolution that explains the good performance of the Spanish boxers in the French capital, and who came close to ending the drought three years ago in Tokyo 2020. Also with Reyes Pla.
If in Tokyo the Spanish-Cuban boxer lost the quarter-finals against the Cuban Julius Caesar the Crosswho would eventually win his second gold medal, this time Reyes Pla lost by split decision (4-1) to another boxer of Cuban origin, Loren Alfonso.
The Havana native, who competes under the Azerbaijan flag, opted for a defensive strategy, relying on his speed and forcing Reyes Pla to wear himself out, as he was unable to find a way to land the blows that would punish Alfonso’s invitation.
The Spanish-Cuban had beaten Loren Alfonso last March, in the World Qualifier in Busto Arsizio, but this time he could not overcome the Azerbaijani’s defense. Alfonso had already caused a surprise in Paris by defeating the big favorite, Julio César La Cruz.
Reyes Pla was on the verge of fighting at Roland Garros, where next Wednesday, August 7 Ayoub Ghadfa will face the French Djamili-Dini Aboudou-Moindze for a place in the final.
