The two boxers had already met twice this year with Mina winning their first encounter during the World Series of Boxing, before Cesar La Cruz gained revenge on route to winning Pan American Games gold in Toronto.

The Cuban was able to build on that performance by taking control of the quarter-final bout, displaying excellent footwork as well as delivering strong combinations of punches.

It left the judges with no option but to award him with a unanimous points victory at the conclusion of the contest, which ensured that he would secure a berth for October's AIBA World Boxing Championships in Doha.

Cesar La Cruz will currently have his eyes set on booking his place in the light heavyweight in Vargas, with Colombia’s Juan Carlos Carrillo now standing in his way.

It proved to be an excellent day for Cuban boxers in general, as Yosbany Veitia earned a split decision victory over the Dominican Republic’s Leonel De Los Santos in the men’s under 52kg division while his compatriot Lazaro Alvarez was victorious in his under 60kg lightweight bout with Elvis Rodriguez of the Dominican Republic.

Success continued to flow as London 2012 Olympic champion Roniel Iglesias claimed a split decision victory over Guatemala’s Lester Martinez in the 69kg welterweight category, before Leinier Pero made it a faultless day for the Cuban team by easing to a victory over Brazil’s Rafael Duarte Lima in the over 91kg super heavyweight.

The host nation also ensured a superb day with Yoel Finol claiming arguably the biggest scalp, as the 19-year-old dominated his flyweight bout against AIBA Pro Boxing Fernando Martinez of Argentina to secure himself at least a bronze medal at the Championships.

He is now set to join his team mate Luis Cabrera at the World Championships, after his compatriot secured a unanimous points victory over Nicaragua’s Nelson Diaz in the lightweight division.

“This was more than a victory for me today, as I won a medal while I also achieved a quota for the AIBA World Boxing Championships which was my goal before the event.

“It was a victory which opened doors for me, and I am proud of my performance.

“I am not so tired after the bout, so I am ready for the next bout to fight for my lovely country once again.”

Cabrera is now scheduled to meet Brazil’s Robson Donato in the semi-finals.

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