PROFESSIONAL BOXING APPROVED IN CUBA FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 1962

[El Presidente]

https://www.dazn.com/en-AU/news/boxing/professional-boxing-approved-in-cuba-for-first-time-since-1962/2qwqlzd42th11uelkcfeg0d1n

PROFESSIONAL BOXING APPROVED IN CUBA FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 1962

CHRISTOPHER WALKER

Apr 5, 20228:31 PM 1 min read

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Pro boxing was banned in Cuba by Fidel Castro.

Cuban’s ban on professional boxing has been lifted meaning their fighters are now free to replicate their amateur success in the pro ring without leaving their home country. During the presidency of Fidel Castro, pro boxing was banned in Cuba in 1962, but that didn't prevent their amateur stars from defecting to other countries in pursuit of world titles and lucrative purses. 

With Castro shutting the door on the dreams of fighters wishing to fight for pay due to his belief that the sport was corrupt, Cuba have remained the dominant force in the vested code with a vast collection of international tournament medals. Now, it appears that boxers wanting to compete in professional circles will now be granted the opportunity to do so. 

“Three and a half years ago a serious analysis began that has resulted in the approved agreement and well seen by the direction of the country's sport and the Cuban Boxing Federation with Golden Ring Promotions, for the representation of Cuba in its entry into professional boxing," said Alberto Puig, president of the FCB, in a statement handed to BoxingScene. 

"The continuous sports and competitive preparation of Cuban boxers to continue representing and raising the name of Cuban boxing in all competitions where it forms part and the economic benefit it represents for boxers, coaching staff and medical triad that work with the team, are one of the main objectives. 

“We have contemplated that six of the main figures of the Domadores de Cuba, take part in six-round fights in at least four events this year. The upcoming month of May is being considered for Cuba's beginnings in professional boxing." 

[La_Tigre]

“If we allow them to beat the sh;te out of each other, they’ll stop beating the sh;te out of us.” The PNR

[Edicion]

Boxing has always been a way out of poverty so this is good for Cuban boxers. The amount of new raw talent that could be available there is very exciting, I just wish they would also focus on MMA, but it will definitely help the sport grow and provide opportunities to a whole new generation. 

[riderpride]

55 minutes ago, Edicion said:

Boxing has always been a way out of poverty so this is good for Cuban boxers. The amount of new raw talent that could be available there is very exciting, I just wish they would also focus on MMA, but it will definitely help the sport grow and provide opportunities to a whole new generation. 

Bring up a few Brazilians and MMA will explode!

Cheers

[Edicion]

9 minutes ago, riderpride said:

Bring up a few Brazilians and MMA will explode!

Cheers

They have had some world class fighters coming out of Cuba with Yoel Romero, Hector Lombard and more so there's potential! 

[Ryan]

The Cuba Domadores took part in the World Series of Boxing. A "semi-professional" league in that fighters were paid but were allowed keep amateur status. Boxers didn't wear face protection or shirts.

I was at this one in Feb 2015 in Ciudado Depotivo in Havana. Cuba vs Britain. 10 cups entry.

I'm not a big boxing fan but, at 10 cups entry, not many Irish people get to see some English people have the stuffing knocked out of them for 40 cents.

The Cubans won 4:1.

 The light-heavyweight fight, Julio Cesar La Cruz vs John Newell, is one of the most entertaining fights I've ever seen. La Cruz had some talent, while showboating a little too much.

He had the crowd on their feet, see image under the video. 2:42 - 3:34 for the La Cruz : Newell fight.

 

 

I didn't have time to have dinner before the start of the competition that night. I can still remember the laughter out of my driver when I suggested I could get a bite to eat at the stadium. He brought me a sandwich for after the show..

 

Another Cuban boxer, Guillermo Rigondeaux, one of the most talented boxers ever. There's a great story about an Irish boxing manager who, on the advice of Michael Flatley, hired a fishing boat out of Cork, Ireland to go to Cuba and smuggle him out. It couldn't be made up. Entertaining stuff.

There was a radio documentary made about this story a few years ago, called 12 Miles. Worth the 30 minutes for anyone with a Cuba/Boxing interest. 

https://www.rte.ie/radio/doconone/710784-12-miles

[El Presidente]

6 hours ago, Ryan said:

I'm not a big boxing fan but, at 10 cups entry, not many Irish people get to see some English people have the stuffing knocked out of them for 40 cents.