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.
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