Milestone: Cuba Now Allows Its Boxers to Compete in Professional Fights
By Gabriel F. Cordero
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 05 Apr 2022
Cuban boxing officials meet in Havana (Foto: Indira Andrés).
The Cuban Boxing Federation have reached an agreement with Golden Ring Promotions that would allow the island's boxers, including the Olympic champions: Roniel Iglesas, Julio César La Cruz, Arlen López and Andy Cruz, to debut in professional boxing in a event to be held in May.
Alberto Puig, president of the Federation, and Gerardo Saldívar, made the announcement publicly and formally on Monday.
The first professional event could be held on May 20 in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and will be broadcast by ESPN KNOCKOUT for the entire Latin American territory.
Boxing came to Cuba from the United States in the first decade of the 20th century. In 1910, the Chilean John Budinich, who made a boxing career in the United States, arrived in Havana to offer his services in personal defense. A few months later, the first Academy of this sport was created in the Cuban capital. In August 1912, the first fight was organized.
In the 1930s, Havana was considered the second world boxing square. The Arena Colón was the reference boxing center with great fights.
On February 23, 1961, INDER was created and in March 1962, it presented a resolution that prohibit professionalism in any sport practiced in Cuba with the aim of promoting healthy practice and eliminating any commercialization in sport.
Professional boxing in Cuba was only allowed to be practiced within the island in an amateur way focused on the Olympic Games, Regional and Continental Championships and amateur World Championships.
“Three and a half years ago a serious analysis began that has resulted in the agreement approved and well seen by the country's sports management and the Cuban Boxing Federation with Golden Ring Promotions, for the representation of Cuba in its entry into professional boxing,” stated Puig.
“The continuous engagement in the sport and competitive preparation for Cuban boxers, to represent and raise the name of Cuban boxing in all competitions it participate, and the economic benefit it gives to the boxers, coaching staff, and medical triad who work with the team, are the main objectives,” pointed out the president of the Federation.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Gabriel F. Cordero.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
DENNY VS. CASH LAUNCH PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Thu, 02 May 2024Nattapong Jankaew Prepares for Career-Defining Match Against Former Unified World Champion Marlon Tapales in WBC Regional Title Showdown
Thu, 02 May 2024Boston Routs Miami Anew, 118-84 to End Series at 4-1; Dallas Demolishes LA Clippers, Moves Ahead 3-2
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 02 May 2024GOLDEN BOY STATEMENT ON RYAN GARCIA'S POSITIVE TEST FOR BANNED SUBSTANCE
Thu, 02 May 2024LORENZ DUMAM-AG STOPS RAMEL MACADO JR IN FIRST ROUND IN BATTLE OF UNDEFEATED (VIDEO)
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 02 May 2024Croft wins by UD
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 02 May 2024Top Rank Presents Undisputed Junior Featherweight Championship: Naoya Inoue vs. Luis Nery
Thu, 02 May 2024HAMZA UDDIN READY TO SHINE IN BIRMINGHAM: 'YOU HAVEN’T SEEN ANYTHING YET'
Thu, 02 May 2024Heavyweight Quintin Sumpter Embraces the Spoiler’s Role
Thu, 02 May 2024NM Jasper Faeldonia rules IIEE chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 02 May 2024NTB Wolves post its 3rd win
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 02 May 2024VIC SALUDAR FINISHES OFF SANCHAI YOTBOON IN 30 SECONDS (VIDEO)
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 02 May 2024Bryce Mills Returns to the Ring June 7 During 2024 International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend
Thu, 02 May 2024Saludar KOs Thai foe in 37 seconds; Dumam-ag drops Macado three times en route to a 1st round stoppage
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 01 May 2024REGIE SUGANOB DEFENDS WBO GLOBAL LIGHT FLYWEIGHT TITLE BY TKO OVER KAI ISHIZAWA
By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 01 May 2024