WSBV: Interviews with Yasnier Toledo and Veitia of Cuba Domanderos

With the Clash of Champions match firmly in our minds, we chatted with perhaps the best pound for pound boxer of WSB Season IV, the Cuban Yosbani “el Diablo” Veitia, who last year won all of his matches in the Light Flyweight category. Now, for this match between the two WSB Team Champions, Veitia will fight in a new category at Flyweight.

What does this fight with another WSB Champion – Astana Arlans Kazakhstan – mean for you?

We always have had a lot of respect for Kazakhstan, they are a quality team and have had some very strong international results, so we understand the importance of this match which promotes the WSB and contributes to improving the prestige of boxing. I believe this match between the WSB Season IV and Season III Team Champions is an excellent idea.

You will fight for first time in WSB in the flyweight division. What is the reason for this? Will this change be a positive experience for you or did it come as a result of not being able to make weight?

I will fight in Astana at 52kg but this change doesn’t necessarily mean I will stay within this division, although I will fight at flyweight in the Panamerican Games and Caribbean Games in November in Veracruz, Mexico. This step is related to the long time requirements of 49kg, but I don’t want to abandon fighting at light flyweight. It will all depend on my performance and the decisions of our coaches and directors.

In Astana you will face Miras Zhakupov, one of the most experienced and strongest boxers in the WSB flyweight division. Will your inexperience in this category become a disadvantage for you, despite you being the best pound for pound boxer, along with Savon, last Season?

Logically he will have the advantage of being settled at the weight, while I am still in the adaptation process. There are significant differences between each category, and he will have this aspect, but I have the maturity to win the match. The most important for me is to do well, there isn’t any other option.

Having had time to reflect on the success of last season after your holidays, what were the best moments for you?

The best was that we managed to be up to expectations of everybody who put their trust in us. We managed to maintain the image of the Cuban boxing at the top level despite the fact that it was our first year in a competition like that. And I remember how much our compatriots were supporting us, how they were following the results of our team until the very last day when they shared with us the real joy of the Champion title.

Will it be possible to repeat this success in as balanced and competitive framework as WSB?

Each competition is a different challenge. Next Season it seems will be harder as regards to the Olympic Games quota. Firstly, I will have to define my future weight, but I want to keep a consistent performance, win all my fights and help my team.

Finally, what do you think about your group for the next season?

Last year we were in the group of death with four teams who reached the semifinals and we won. This experience shows the importance of approaching each match and looking for the victory throughout the fight, especially now that the winners of the groups will go directly to semifinals. Russia are powerful opponents, Ukraine are another who are strong, China returns and will represent a strong team. Morocco, Germany, Algeria and Mexico seem less strong, but any team can cause an upset.