THE CUBAN WAY

Cuba is a country which has been politically laced with chaos for many years. Amongst all the madness, it’s produced some of the best boxers in the world. The unique homegrown style of Cuban boxing could be simply described as slick, defensively cute and technically sound.

Although, the professionals took a hit in 1962 under the Castro revolution, the amateur system blossomed with many international medals and the prestige of 32 Olympic gold medals since 1972. This achievement is even more remarkable as Cuba boycotted the 1984 and 1988 Olympic games. Along with their ability, they are genetically blessed and have grown up in a hardened environment of poverty. Add all of these factors together and combining them into boxing optimises their chances for success and a potential pathway out of their volatile surroundings.

The first steps of sacrifice for any fighter is in their training camp. It’s crucial both physically and mentally and can make or break the outcome of a bout. In comparison to some luxuries like the GB set up in Sheffield, the Cuban camp couldn’t be further apart, adopting a military approach to business. Due to their fierce Latin temperament, this way is probably the best way for maturity growth, both in and out of the ring. The country’s scouting programme finds potential boxers from as early as ten years old where they are brought into special schools to nurture their skillset. Like many college protocols in the US, they must also maintain a certain grade average to be allowed to compete. The conditions are basic, and the training is gruelling, but their incentives are not financial due to the communistic rule. The chance of any financial gain was forbidden, where in other countries the opportunity for sponsorships are general practice. For elite Cuban’s their incentives consist of better facilities, WIFI & better food. With the majority of the country being impoverished, these rewards are worth more than any amount of money to them. It prevents focus from swaying left of their goals, which can often become the case when it comes to money.

In the past and the present, some of the legendary fighters in the paid ranks are Cuban, but the amateur boxing scene is their bread and butter. Two of the stand outs produced from their amateur system are Mario Kindelan and Guillermo Rigondeaux. Both men won gold medals in every single decorated tournament they fought in, with a combined 25 gold medals from 25 tournaments. Mario Kindelan tasted gold in two Olympic games, three World Championships, two Pan Americans and two in the Central American’s and a Caribbean games. He stayed as an amateur throughout his entire career, but his style was often referred to as ‘A professional in an amateur vest’. On one occasion in particular he was offered deal in the US to turn professional along with a life changing $1 million. Typically of many Cuban athletes, he declined the offer and stated, ‘I thank them for the offer, but money cannot buy what I have’. He finished his glittering career with a record of 358-22 and was unbeaten from 1999 until 2004. Similar to Kindelan, Felix Savon refused Don King on numerous occasions to fight Mike Tyson. Many Cuban’s loyal to Castro feel that money can’t buy their patriotism.

Guillermo Rigondeaux’s story differs to Kindelan but is one worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster. Rigondeaux turned over from amateur to professional where the opportunity to become a World Champion and a chance to start a new life away from Cuba had too much of a pull to pass up. Like any country, personal opinions are mixed when it comes to politics. The highly decorated amateur disagreed with the communistic approach and wanted out. He finished his amateur career with a record of 463-12. This included seven successive national titles, three World Cups, two World Championships, two Olympic golds, a Pan Americans and a Central American and a Caribbean games. With sixteen gold medals, it was only a matter of time before the big promotors came calling with an offer. This wasn’t as simple as it would be for anyone else trying to turn over. In 2017 during the Pan American games in Brazil, himself and teammate Erislandy Lara didn’t attend their scheduled bouts in the tournament. It was an attempt to escape Cuba and make a refuge into the United States to seek out a career in the paid ranks. The two were caught by police and returned to Cuba with a hostile reception. As punishment, Rigondeaux was banned from competing in the 2008 Beijing Olympics where he looked to win a third successive gold medal. It was seen as betrayal to their homeland and he was labelled as Castro’s judas. It took two years of backlash before the opportunity to defect from unfolded for him. For the greater good for him and his family, he risked his life to be smuggled into Cancun, Mexico. The journey via speedboat with 30 other men, woman and children across the shark infested Gulf of Mexico was a risk, but a risk many Cuban’s need to do. Even though he is unable to re-enter Cuba, the choice proved to be the right one. He went on to win the WBA super-bantamweight title in his ninth professional bout, three years after escaping Castro’s communistic ruling. He went to retain the title twice before beating Nonito Donaire to unify his WBA belt with the WBO and Ring Magazine world championships. The only blemish on his record came at super-featherweight against pound for pound superstar Vasily Lomachenko. He bounced back in style, knocking out Geovanni Delgado and Julio Ceja before beating Liborio Solis on points for the WBA bantamweight title to becoming a two weight World Champion.

Other elite professionals who we all know well are Luis Ortiz, Erislandy Lara & Yuniel Dorticus. All three of are examples of what we come to expect, but the most prestigious fighter the country produced was Gerardo Gonzalez, more commonly known as Kid Gavilan. His career ended in 1958 so he was lucky enough to bypass the ban which others suffered. He was named the boxing writer’s association fighter of the year in 1953 with ten wins in a single year, along with retaining his lineal and ring magazine world titles. Ring magazine also ranked him 26th of the best fighters of all time and with a record of 108-30-5. For people who don’t him off the top of their heads, his record speaks for itself. It wasn’t until his 62nd fight before he would fight for a world title, six years after his debut. The fight didn’t go how he would have planned, but the defeat came against the great Sugar Ray Robinson, which is nothing to be ashamed of by any means. He stayed patient and racked up the experience until May 1951, he beat Johnny Bratton at Madison Square Garden to become the lineal welterweight champion of the world. He was popular amongst fans in the UK when fought there twice against Olympian Peter Waterman. He would go on to fight across the world in Argentina, France, Venezuela and in the US where he grew his pound for pound reputation. He was the original role model to fly the flag and inspired a nation.

The ban on pro boxing was lifted in 2013 but still with limited restrictions on purses, which is why they still seek the US as the place to earn their worth. Hopefully for the sport and the fans, things change for better. How many fighter’s we’re we not able to see, who could have achieved greatness in the game is the million-dollar question. There is no doubt as fans we have missed out over the years. Anyone matched up with a Cuban in either type of boxing would have to be on their game. They are still are and always will be regarded as the mythical dark horses and long may it continue.

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