Another knock of the Cuban Boxing Academy

The Cuban boxing academy experienced an almost complete renovation from 2011 on, with the arrival of new coaches. Others with previous experience were summoned as Cuban boxing was drifting.

The unquestionable talent of Cuban boxers had not led to wins in the main sports events since 2005. And it has been proven that raw talent is not enough. You have to know how to work it.

We must work these talents as professor Alcides Sagarra did in his prime to reach the best results in history.

All right, Cuban boxing has taken us today to a similar greatness. We have been two-times world champions, which has been proven right after winning five titles in Hamburg.

The only two Cuban boxers who could not make it to the finals were inexperienced Javier Ibanez and star Arlen Lopez. Let´s not forget Cuba did compete in the 91+ Kg category. This blemish cannot be put down to the coaching staff, but they must be wiser in not giving false hopes to any athletes after hours of strong efforts in search of his dream.

Let´s get back to the World Championship. I praise highly Erislandy Savon, who performed poorly in the semifinals. However, he fought strong against Russian Olympic and World Champion boxer Evgueny Tischenko and totally defeated.

I foresaw Yosbany Veitia and Andy Cruz as world champions. And I am very happy for Yohannys Argilagos. But he should have steady positive results versus those two boxers who seem better than him.

Finally, I would like to dedicate some words to the most stable of our boxers, who happens to be criticized because of his style. However, there is no one in the world who can beat Julio Cesar La Cruz every time he fights with elegance, not with too confident. He has been four-time AIBA World Champion. You should see him on the ring with his elegant speed.

I was stunned with Lazaro Alvarez´s defeat because I did not see him at full strength. Roniel Iglesias´ silver medal was great to me as he is back to the top 3 in this sort of tournaments a decade later.

The Cuban Boxing Academy gets back to the place it deserves to be.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Diaz // CubaSi Translation Staff