Boxing World Series semi kicks off with Cuba vs. Uzbekistan's showdown

Cuba's national boxing team, Domadores, will face Uzbekistan's Tigers in the Cuban capital city on Thursday and Friday in the World Series of Boxing's (WSB) semifinals.

Both teams will take to the ring from 20:30 local time (00:30 GMT) in the Sports City's coliseum which can hold up to 15,000 fans, according to the International Boxing Association's official calendar.

The Cuban squad, who came in second in the last edition of the contest, will have all their stars to depend on except from two-time world silver medallist Yasnier Toledo in the 64 kilograms category, who is suffering from kidney discomfort.

The fights on Thursday will be part of the C1 group and will begin with host Joahnys Argilagos against Nodirjon Mirzakhmedov in the 49 kilograms category.

Then, Olympic monarch from London 2012, Robeisy Ramirez, will take on Murodjon Akhmadaliev, current world runner-up, in the 56 kilograms category.

The Caribbean island's No. 2 in the 64 kilograms, Luis Oliva, will also be taking on Fazliddin Gaibnazarov, silver-medallist at Doha 2015.

The evening will continue with a fight between current Cuban national champion, Arlen Lopez and visitor, Ulugbek Khakberdiev, in the 75 kilograms category.

The day's competition will end with a fight between world runner-up Erislandy Savon and Mirzobek Khasanov.

On Friday, it will be category C2 which will include the 52, 60, 69, 81 and over 91 kilograms.

In the case of a tie, there will be an additional fight in the 60 kilograms category between Armando Martinez and Dusmuradov Ulugbek.

Cuba's Domadores made it through to the semifinals after steamrollering Mexico's Guerreros 10-0 while Uzbekistan's Tigers surprisingly defeated Russia's strong team 6-4.

The winning team out of Domadores and Tigers will fight for the 6th World Series crown against the winner between British Lionhearts and defending champions Astana Arlans from Kazakhstan. This semifinal will be held in London.