By Duncan Mackay at the Beau Rivage Palace in Lausanne

C K Wu making draw for WSB IV Lausanne July 2 2013July 2 - Cuba were drawn against the defending champions Astana Arlans Kazakhstan in the draw for the new World Series of Boxing (WSB), which was held here tonight.


It is an early opportunity for the new team to live up to its name, unveiled here earlier in the day,  the "Domadores" or "Tamers".

In addition to Cuba and Kazakhstan, Group B also contains Season III semi-finalists Mexico Guerreros, who had knocked out the now defunct British Lionhearts, along with quarter-finalists Azerbaijan Baku Fires and Hussars Poland.

Domadores'  logo pays homage to Cuban boxer Teófilo Stevenson, the country's three-time Olympic gold medallist and world champion, who died last year aged 60.

He is widely regarded as being the most successful boxer that Cuba has ever produced and it is his image that the team will be fighting under.

"The logo design was inspired by the traditional strength and prestige of Cuban boxing," said Alberto Puig de la Barca, President of the Cuban Boxing Federation.

"It encapsulates the obligation of every member of the team to fight for the win in each and every bout, with the purpose of confirming that our country belongs among the world's elite in this sport."

Cuba WSB Franchise logoThree-time Olympic champion Teófilo Stevenson is the inspiration for the new logo of Domadores Cuba, the newest franchise in the World Series of Boxing

Appropriately, Reynaldo Gonzalez Lopez, Cuba's International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, had helped do the draw, along with International Boxing Association President C K Wu, who was also assisted by Irena Szewinska, Poland's three-time Olympic champion, who is also an IOC member.

"Today was a very important day for the World Series of Boxing since it has revealed the most anticipated groups of Season IV and the competition calendar," said Wu.

"Seeing the level of the 12 franchises that will take part, I am expecting an exciting and very competitive season.

"I wish the very best to all franchises and thank all boxing friends for their support."

To see the full draw click here.

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