The Top Cuban Boxers of the Moment

Who are the 10 best Cuban boxers of the moment? PanamericanWorld proposes a list divided into two sections: amateur and professional pugilists.

Baseball is Cuba’s national sport; nevertheless, boxing is the discipline with the highest number of titles in Olympic Games (34). Over the past 20 years, some of the most remarkable pugilists decided to continue their careers overseas, as professionals, and this fact brought about the decrease of results achieved by the national team in numerous events. However, the so-called “Cuban Boxing School” has kept on training great talents and, step by step, they have headed for victory over their opponents, with significant outcomes in the 4th World Series, in 2014.

Who are the 10 best Cuban boxers of the moment? PanamericanWorld proposes a list divided into two sections: amateur and professional pugilists.

THE RECOVERY OF CUBAN BOXING SCHOOL

In the fifth edition of the World Boxing Series, which is going to give positions for 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, Cuban trainer Rolando Acebal – handpicked as the finest trainer in 2014 – is confident of victory due to the high technical level of his team, named “Domadores (Tamers)”.

“The boys are in great shape. We have done the most of our trainings in an effort to preserve the excellent physical conditions until June, when the Series is scheduled to take place. Afterward, we’ll have the Pan-American tournament in Toronto and the World Championship. We’re going to participate in a lot of tournaments this year and Cuban boxing will prove its worth.”

Looking forward to defending the title in the World Series and obtaining most of the positions for Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, Acebal will especially count on five formidable pugilists:

Robeisy Ramírez (56 kilograms). 21 years old

This is a high-spirited fighter, very young, but with significant results. At the age of 19 he surprised everybody by winning a title in 2012 London Olympic Games. Before that, he had already climbed to the top of the podium in 2010 Baku Youth World competition and 2011 Guadalajara Pan-American Games. Discipline problems have been an obstacle in the development of Ramírez, as his presence in the national team has been unstable. However, in 2015 Robeisy seems to be more focused and Acebal placed him as the first man in the 56-kilogram division.

Ramírez told PanamericanWorld: “the boys are ready to face this edition of the World Series, with the aim of defending the champion title. I have prepared myself because this is an intense year. The Series is a long tournament and measures the level to compete in Toronto Pan-American Games and the world championship. Achieving this title is my personal goal.”

Lázaro Álvarez (60 kilograms). 23 years old

An implacable southpaw boxer. Twice world champion (2011 - 2013) and bronze medalist in 2012 London Olympic Games. His results in the 4th World Series were significant as he won six out of seven fights. Lázaro looks forward to improving his performance:

“Domadores are going to fight for the title and get most of the positions for the Olympics. Our boys are presently more-experienced pugilists, although some of them are going to make their debut in the tournament, but the base of the team is more solid and I strongly believe that we’re going to achieve our goals in this season. I’m in good physical condition, so you’ll have news from me”, Álvarez pointed out.

Roniel Iglesias (69 kilograms). 26 years old

Another southpaw pugilist with polished technique. Olympic champion in 2012 London, bronze medalist in 2008 and world champion in 2009. Iglesias has had some discipline problems and he was not allowed to train with the national team in August 2013; nevertheless, he was later reinstated and participated in the 4th World Series, where he couldn’t be defeated in 5 combats.

“The team has trained hard. We have learned the five-round fighting system and the strategy to be followed in each match. I want to deliver more victories, compared to the previous series, defend my first-figure status and, of course, be the champion in my division guarantee my ticket to Rio Olympic Games”, Iglesias commented.

Julio Cesar La Cruz (81 kilograms). 25 years old

Perhaps his fighting style is not attractive (his guard is low most of the time) and he rather dodges the attacks, but that’s the way he has triumphed. Twice world champion in 2011 and 2013. He was assaulted with firearm in early 2014, but he recovered from that situation and gave Domadores five victories in the 4th World Series.

Erislandy Savón (91 kilograms). 24 years old

The nephew of great Félix Savón (triple Olympic champion), Erislandy, is a fighter that impresses everybody with his height, long reach and powerful punch that is feared by his opponents, most of which have been knocked out. He was unstoppable in the 4th World Series, as he won his eight fights and was recognized as the best boxer in the event.

“We had an intense calendar last year, through December 23. A new stage kicks off now and there are growing expectations. I have made improvements in terms of my punch, physical capability and adaptation to the five-round systems. I’m focused in obtaining positive results and getting the gold medals”, Erislandy told Panamerican World.